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This is an authentic mainland European close helmet from around about 1580, possibly Italian or German. The helmet still opens and closes with relative ease. There is a securing hook on the right hand side which has been rusted solidly shut. The helmet closes completely, but leaves a slight gap when closed. The surface shows signs of having been treated with a tar-like substance, apparently a common practice in 16th century Europe meant to protect the metal. Indeed, as you can see the photos, the metal remains in a remarkable stable condition. It is clear from the patina that it is old, very old. The few rust spots on it are contained and minimal and seem only where the protective layering was thinner.

I bought this item from a reliable dealer. It is heavy and utilitarian. To all appearances, this is the real thing, a piece of 16th century equipment, not a 19th century example intended for display. The helmet is certainly one of the more uncommon variants, which certainly increases its appeal.

$4495

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Brown lacquer Samurai armour. Beautiful offering. 19th century. Impeccable provenance.

This fine suit of armour featured two years ago in the first Owsten Collection auction held by Bonhams in Sydney – an event that attracted unprecedented interest both within Sydney Australia and around the world. This was one of about 8 or 10 fine sets sold and part of one of the most extensive and highly regarded antique collections in the world.

These suits would probably have been handpicked by an expert in the field and recommended for the collection of the original owner. This remarkable bown lacquer suit is complete and matching in every detail. This a great opportunity to pick up a fine set of armour with the best possible provenance. Purchase with confidence.

Please note that only the armour is available in the pictures above. The items on the wall and the other background items are not part of this sale.

Below is a full description of the suit, as described in the original auction.

A Japanese brown-lacquer armour with a momonari kabuto 19th century, laced in white, orange and green lacing and comprising a momonari kabuto lacquered russet brown and mounted with a four-lame Hineno-style yodarekake, the fukigaeshi applied with stenciled doe skin and the mabisashi lacquered gold and finished in ishime and trimmed with black fukurin; the menpo lacquered to match and applied with a bushy moustache and fitted with a four-lame yodarekake; the cuirass a yokohagi okegawa do with cross-knots, the munaita and finished in gold lacquer to match the helmet and applied with two decorative rings, the cuirass fitted with seven sections of five-lame kusazuri; chusode; shino gote silvered on the splints; plate and chain mail haidate and shino suneate both silvered to match the kote

$15995