Armor Translation Help

[Wickstrom]

I picked up this set of munitions grade armor a little while back.

It's certainly seen better days but this is my first "real" set of armor and i'm very happy with it despite it's condition.

There are two characters written in paint on the both of the kote near where it attaches to the dou. 

Any guesses as to what it says and means?

Thanks

[uwe]

I admittedly struggling with the second character.

The first is "中" (chuu) which means as much as middle or medium. So I guess the writing refers to the size of the kote....

 
 

[Bugyotsuji]

Good thinking, Üwé.

I wonder if that could be 中五 or 中号?

[Wickstrom]

Thank-you very much Piers and Uwe. That would probably be a very good assumption given the fact it was more than likely a loaner set borrowed by a retainer from the Daimyo's armory. I'm sure they would have had some inventory system in place related to sizing to expedite the process of outfitting troops before a campaign. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Good, fun set to start out with.

I’d suggest finding a better (longer) Shinobi no Ō cord, and adjusting the kabuto angle down a bit. (Your mabisashi should protect your eyes, but you should still be able to see to the horizon.)

[uwe]

Yes Andrew,

 

it’s not unusual to find numbers or combinations between numbers and letters on parts of lent armors (okashi-gusoku) referring to the respective inventory system. Mostly done in red and often hard to read.

Honest armor, like it!