The wording in the original query of the thread is tricky. The 'influences' between east and west arms and armour is well known, profoundly represented and discussed and the subject of countless articles and books.
What is being sought is actual workmen from 'foreign' sources physically brought to the country to work in bladesmith or armourers shops.....much in the manner of the Solingen swordsmiths who were brought to England to work in what became the Hounslow swords, later the Shotley Bridge.
Obviously this is an example of Germany to England, and different Western nationalities. The question is were Chinese, Japanese, Persian, or other Middle East or Oriental craftsmen ever brought into European factories or shop of arms and armour.
Truly an interesting question, and clearly not a topic well covered in most of the literature.
All best regards,
Jim
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