Grading Scale
Collector/Investment Category 1
This would be Daimyo grade armor.
This armor would be exceptional with superior craftsmanship and have a number of special details. Armor in this category will be matched and original to the period. Historical research and/or documents relating to the ownership or the smith who made parts of the suit may be included. Expertly maintained. Museum quality. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Advanced Collector – Edo Period or earlier
Collector/Investment Category 2
This would be armor that belonged to a middle to high-ranking Samurai. Superior craftsmanship. Attention to detail. An original item. We would expect this category to show use from being worn. Small areas of missing lacquer, worn fabric and slight staining, fraying of some of lacing, moth damage, etc. All characteristics that would be within reason for an armor that is authentic and has little or no modern restoration. Signs of regular care and maintenance. Usually, this category of armor will have some unique features. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Intermediate or Advanced Collector – Edo Period or earlier
Collector/Investment Category 3
This is Armor that is original to the period and may have some parts that are not original to the armor item. Generally, armor items in this category are showing signs of a lot of wear but still have been handcrafted and in good condition and is an authentic Samurai Armor item worthy of a collection. There may be parts that have been or could be restored but do not take away from the authenticity or unique character of the armor. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Beginner or Intermediate collector. Edo Period or earlier
Collector Category 4
This would be Armor that we do not sell. Armor with lots of broken and unrepairable parts. Significant lacquer loss or major rusting of the iron. Suits that have lots of modern replacement parts. Major sections of missing sections of fabric. This is typical of what you will find on some of our competitors websites and on Ebay.
IMPORTANT NOTES;
All armor items including daimyo grade armor will show signs of wear. Areas of worn fabric, slight staining, areas where the lacquer is chipped. Even great armor went through constant maintenance and were periodically restored or improved upon in the Edo period. So when one says that a suit is original it can mean several things.
If you would be unhappy with an item that is not perfect then we would suggest that you buy reproduction armor. We do not sell reproduction armor.
You as a collector/investor are buying a piece of history and as such you should expect an item that reflects its age in its characteristics.
These categories are subject to change and amendments.
Collector/Investment Category 1
This would be Daimyo grade armor.
This armor would be exceptional with superior craftsmanship and have a number of special details. Armor in this category will be matched and original to the period. Historical research and/or documents relating to the ownership or the smith who made parts of the suit may be included. Expertly maintained. Museum quality. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Advanced Collector – Edo Period or earlier
Collector/Investment Category 2
This would be armor that belonged to a middle to high-ranking Samurai. Superior craftsmanship. Attention to detail. An original item. We would expect this category to show use from being worn. Small areas of missing lacquer, worn fabric and slight staining, fraying of some of lacing, moth damage, etc. All characteristics that would be within reason for an armor that is authentic and has little or no modern restoration. Signs of regular care and maintenance. Usually, this category of armor will have some unique features. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Intermediate or Advanced Collector – Edo Period or earlier
Collector/Investment Category 3
This is Armor that is original to the period and may have some parts that are not original to the armor item. Generally, armor items in this category are showing signs of a lot of wear but still have been handcrafted and in good condition and is an authentic Samurai Armor item worthy of a collection. There may be parts that have been or could be restored but do not take away from the authenticity or unique character of the armor. This item may or may not include certification from a major armor society.
Beginner or Intermediate collector. Edo Period or earlier
Collector Category 4
This would be Armor that we do not sell. Armor with lots of broken and unrepairable parts. Significant lacquer loss or major rusting of the iron. Suits that have lots of modern replacement parts. Major sections of missing sections of fabric. This is typical of what you will find on some of our competitors websites and on Ebay.
IMPORTANT NOTES;
All armor items including daimyo grade armor will show signs of wear. Areas of worn fabric, slight staining, areas where the lacquer is chipped. Even great armor went through constant maintenance and were periodically restored or improved upon in the Edo period. So when one says that a suit is original it can mean several things.
If you would be unhappy with an item that is not perfect then we would suggest that you buy reproduction armor. We do not sell reproduction armor.
You as a collector/investor are buying a piece of history and as such you should expect an item that reflects its age in its characteristics.
These categories are subject to change and amendments.