A Suit of armor (tosei gusoku) 17th / 18th century

a complete set, comprising an Akodanari helmet bowl of of sixteen-plate russet iron with one gilt shinodare to the front, the gilt fukurin, with five stage tehen-kanamono (helmet top decoration), the medium size lacquer fukigaeshi (blow back) with shakudo katabami (clover) mon (family crests), the mabizashi (visor) covered with Heian period type leather, with large brass haraidate (maedate holder) carved with chrysanthemum, on a nanako (fish roe pattern) ground on a Heian period type printed leather, to take the detachable gilt mitsu kuwagata (three part front decoration), fitted with kiritsuke-kozane shikoro (neck guard), the black lacquer Nara-style mempo (half mask) with gold lacquer painted moustache and kiritsuke kozane yodarekake (throat protector), the nimai-tachi do (cuirass) of kiritsuke kozane, laced in white and orange cotton, fitted with six-stage kusazuri (hip guards), a pair of chu-sode (medium shoulder guards), Shino-gote (arm protectors), and Iyo-style lacquer plates haidate (thigh guards), a pair of Shino suneate (shin guards)

Helmet - There are a few slight chips on kozane of the neck guards and slight loss on the leather of peak. Mask - The piece was later re-lacquered. There are some crackles to the left of the chin and right cheek, and there are slight crackles to the throat protector. Cuirass - There are slight losses of the black lacquer to the tip of the kozane, but it is in good condition. Arm guards - Some of the lacquer on the hands are missing and chipped (both 3 x ½ in.) and a few other smaller losses. Shoulder guards - There are a few minor chips. Overall, this piece is in very good condition.
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.