Shogun8

I would agree with the previous comments. Several features would indicate staying away from this one.

Most later haidate incorporated flat plates and were often made in leather. The curved, interlocking ones made of iron like these were likely of Eastern or Kanto origin as used by the Date clan.

The extra long frontal kusazuri were meant to defend the rider against the typical weapons wielded by foot soldiers such as yari and other polearms. Similarly, the construction of the haidate - namely the iron composition and the curved, overlapping plates designed for strength - were meant for defending against ground-based attacks, as were the solid plate suneate.

What these details do suggest is that the suit of armour was certainly custom and not off-the-shelf, which usually means that the samurai who commissioned it had some means. The length of the frontal kusazuri, the construction of the haidate plates (can you confirm if they are iron?) and the tsutsu suneate point towards an armour meant to be worn on horseback - again suggesting a higher-ranking samurai.

Lots of very interesting details on this armour that I have not seen before including the aforementioned lack of kanmuri-no-ita, the meidicine box on the point of the elbow and the extra long frontal kusazuri and tsubo sode. Even the haidate are different. Cool armour.

As well as being the founder of the school, Ietada was perhaps the most creative and prolific as well. There are many "non-standard" kabuto by Ietada, including variations of koboshi, shiinari, shinomi nari and even kawari kabuto. It would be helpful to see both kabuto to make a proper assessment. The above Ietada mei seems pretty crisp to me. And if the signature is lacking "Joshu ju" then it may be an early one.

What Piers said.

I agree with Piers, that certainly looks like byakudan on the reverse of the tare. If I had to guess, I think this tare is not original to the mask because the guruwa usually extends to the tare itself. In other words, the plates that would attach to the hinges and which encircle the back of the neck, would be mirrored on the tare itself. See attached image.

Charles, In general, guruwa and menpo with guruwa were mostly seen in the late Sengoku period, particularly the Momoyama, since protection was paramount. Guruwa on menpo were uncommon probably because they were naturally more difficult - and more expensive - to make.

The hanbo seems to have once had a guruwa (additional plates which protect the back of the neck), judging by the remnants of the hinges at the rear of the jaw. This is a rare feature for a hanbo.

Also agree with Luc and the others - very nice, robust kabuto. However, it is missing a few key Ichiguchi features.

Kaga, late Edo. Is the dou tetsu or nerigawa?

Hi Geraint, Of course! Duh - thanks for setting me straight...

Hi Dee, I clicked on the link but it brought me to a different object (a candle holder). A few years ago, I visited the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon and was shown by the curatorial staff a few items that had been gifted to Portugal by Japan, including some interesting horse armour (in fact, the horse armour they had was much more important than any of the actual armour!). After taking some pictures, I sent them to the mother branch of the Japanese Armor Society (on whose board I sit), the NKBKHK in Tokyo and we were able to identify the items as being quite rare and important. Perhaps you could send me your email address in a PM and I may be able to point you in the right direction.

I thought that you were perhaps referring to something supernatural...