uwe

Eric, I hoped secretly you say so :D But the few I found do not match exactly ....as you can see. Ian, I actually thought that it was my own knowledge gap. I don`t expect that in case of tatami-armor obviously so little is known at all. Where to begin with the necessary research? Well, back to my armor. The karuta plates are not embossed. The chrysanths rather riveted to the plates and every single plate is marked on the back with a kanji in red lacquer. I assume it`s for the final position in the "arrangement". However, I`ll take some pics next week, because there are still other questions pending. Apart from that, I would like to see some pics from your armor too Cheers Uwe

Anthony, I`m pleased that you like it. Bought it from a kinsman of you Eric, thanks a lot for your comment. Indeed there are very little information out there. Maybe Ian is able to bring some light in the dark. Yep, the watagami cords are quite special, they are covered with the same leather as the edging of the do and kusazuri. The armor is under restoration this time (I get some help from a friend), so I can take the pics not until next week. What do you think about the chrysanths? Only embellishments, or mon? Cheers Uwe

Hello folks, under the heading of Tatami......my new acquisition Dealing with this one, two questions occurred to me. 1. When Tatami-armors came in fashion (use).......during the time of the "traveling Daimyos" ? 2. How were they stored......... hitsu boxes? I was very astonished as I noticed, that I nearly know nothing about the subject So any help would be much appreciated Uwe

That`s right Eric, also known as, "Pappenheimer" or "Lobster Tail Helmet". There where some customary developments in Hungary and Poland since about the middle of the 16th century. In the 17th century this "model" spreading out to the whole middle Europe as helmets for Hussars, Dragoons and Cuirassiers. To be used modified especially for Cuirassiers until the late 19th century......in France Uwe

Hi Ian, a very interesting Kabuto. My first impression was Saiga. Is this additional mail neck-guard original to the helmet? Uwe

..... Cheers Uwe

Based on this single pic, "okashi" dodgy condition without kabuto......... .....I wouldn`t buy it Uwe

Thank you Uwe

Hi Justin, interesting kabuto! Looks a bit like a late copy of that hineno-bachi, published in J.C. Carbonnier`s book, page 52/53. Congrats Uwe

It`s a pity! Really bad news Uwe

Sure thing! I`ll scan it next weekend! Uwe

Hi Justin, i have a short but incomplete list. It was attached to an lecture from E. Gilbertson (1892) named "The Genialogy of the Myochin". The content based, inter alia, on an Japanese publication from 1891 and of some Myochin documents as well...... Unfortunately in German language. Uwe

Thanks Justin, i`ll try it once more. Uwe

Nice work Ian I would really like to see the whole armor. Is it misleading to assume, that the tataki-nuri finish of the suso-no-ita is pointing towards Kaga? Uwe

I can`t imagine, that the plate can be fixed in position properly, during intensive movement , only by dint of this four looped brass rings Moreover, the absence of a backing in combination with the prominent shanks, could indicate a more "static" usage. Maybe i`m wide of the mark :? Uwe

I`m still waiting for my books, without any response or further info Uwe

Hi folks, Ian & Anthony mentioned in there book "Arms and Armor of the Samurai" (page83), that nagamaki first appeared at the middle of the Muromachi period. Maybe as a variant of the no dachi. Uwe

.......so it seems to me, that it is not enough (only) to see :? There is still much to learn. Thanks Ford Uwe

Very rare and interesting kabuto Roy. I think we discussed this here some time ago. Uwe

............don`t spotted the moon in the hitsu-ana at first Uwe

Hi Ford, absolutely impressiv workmanship Let me ask a question, I have in mind looking at this tsuba. What is the meaning of (or depicts) this gold inlay "flowing" with the river? Regards Uwe

Hi Tobias, there is a guy near Brilon, doing excellent work. Althought, a bit slow Uwe

Hi md02geist ? start with Ian`s and Clive`s book for general understanding. Than continue with Trevor`s! Good luck! Uwe

Eric/Jasper, undoubtedly Hosokawa impression. Hence, the Etchu Zunari is to be expected. Sode are rather later added, as Eric said. Suneate and Haidate seems matching. Kusazuri in kirisuke kozane with bear fur. Well, I have to admit that the Do is Iyozane. What confused me at first, was the rectangular shape of the scales (no dovetail notch) Uwe

Hi Jasper, interesting Do, but can`t see iyozane plates. Looks nerikawa, or at least leather covered. Kote 16th century... ...don`t think so. Only first glance..... Uwe