A Suit of armor (Tosei Gusoku) with Saotome kabuto Helmet signed Saotome Ietada, 17th century

a complete set, comprising a sixteen-plate russet iron sujibachi (ridge) bowl, with four-stage elaborate shakudo and gold tehen kanamono (top decoration), the interior signed Joshu ju Saotome Ietada, the shinodare of gilt nanako (fish roe decoration), fitted with three stage black lacquer shikoro (neck guard), fukigaeshi (blow back) with cherry blossoms mon, on a leather design ground, the Nara russet iron mempo (half mask) with detachable nose and horse-hair moustache, ita-yodarekake (throat protector), the nimai (two piece) okegawa do (cuirass) black-lacquered and of hatomune (pigeon belly) shape, metal gyoyo with cherry blossoms mon en suite, the lower section with shaped band of textured gold lacquer, with seven-stage kusazuri (hip guards), all en suite with a lower section with textured gold lacquer and cherry blossoms mon in gilt, a pair of chu-sode (medium shoulder guards) and kote (arm guards), the chain mail haidate (thigh guards) with shakudo cherry blossoms en suite  

Helmet - There is a very light rust on the helmet bowl. The tehen kanamono (top decoration) has verdigris but will clean. The black lacquer on shikoro (neck guards) has light crackles and the gild lacquer is rubbed on the bottom plate, fukigaeshi metal cherry blossom shape decoration is rubbed and lacings are frail but the overall condition is good. Mask - There are slight crackles to the patina of russet iron, lacquer on neck guard has slight lacquer crackles and rubbing. There is a slight restoration to the left corner of the nose piece, but it is in good condition. Cuirass - There are usual crackles to the black lacquer, and the lacings are frail but all sections exist. Arm guards - The lacquer on the iron strips on the arms have some lacquer losses and rubbing and the textiles are frail but consistent with its age. Shoulder guards - The lacing is frail but all the pieces are there and in good condition. Thigh guard - The textiles are worn but all the metal works are there. There are some black lacquer losses of clover shaped pieces.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.