A tosei gusoku (Samurai armor) dating: Period (1603-1867) provenance: Japan Koboshi-bachi Kabuto with 14 heavy plates featuring raised edge and thick studs. Replaced Tehen-kanamono. Shikoro with three black-lacquered iron plates (the Fukigaeshi mounts replaced later), finishing with missing parts. Brass Maedate with remains of gilding and and openwork decoration, held to the Mabizashi only by a tab at the back. Ryubu-type Men-yoroi made of iron, with brown lacquer (evident missing parts), with fixed nose-piece and red lacquered back. Beautiful Do worked in the style of the ancient Do-maru of Kebiki-odoshi type, with brown lacquered iron plates and blue lacing. Gilded metal mounts. The Kusazuri worked en suite with the Do, but with non-metal plates. Sode worked en suite with the Do, provided with Inome fretwork and with partly metal plates. Kote completely in Kusari with metal plates on the forearms and on the gloves, complete with fabric. With supports for the Sashimono at the back of the Do. Leather and fabric Haidate. Suneate complete with armoured shoes featuring iron plates. Various signs of use and time, missing parts at the lacquer, fabric wear and some tears. Mounted on an old wooden mannequin (probably first half of the 20th century) to exhibit the armour. height total with base circa 190 cm.