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[Stan S.]

Hey David, are those leggings or sleeves?

[David R]

They are a sleeve,Kote, I think for the lower arm, ie back of the hand to the elbow, of a type called Han-gote or possibly Tekoh. (6)
The Edo period was generaly peacefull, with feuds, policing and piracy rather than war, so real combat armour tended to be light raiders stuff. Full armours were made but as ceremonial stuff not functional. I am hopefull these are examples of the lightweight gear. And if not, heh, no matter. Shipping is costing more than the bid, the total about what I pay for second hand Kimono.

[David R]

The above photo and drawing from this very usefull site http://www.iz2.or.jp/english/index.htm My ambition is to put the above gear, or something like it together using as much genuine stuff as possible.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by David R

They are a sleeve,Kote, I think for the lower arm, ie back of the hand to the elbow, of a type called Han-gote or possibly Tekoh. (6)

David, your kote appear to be ashigaru kote, basic armored sleeves for the ashigaru foot soldier. They would cover the arm from the shoulder to the wrist. Here is a pair to show how yours originally looked.

[David R]

Originally Posted by estcrh

David, your kote appear to be ashigaru kote, basic armored sleeves for the ashigaru foot soldier. They would cover the arm from the shoulder to the wrist. Here is a pair to show how yours originally looked.

Hi estcrh I can confirm your ID, they were looked at by Mr Ian B at the RA and he said the same thing. I have given them a steam to relax the hemp backing, and now have to consider whether to go any further with them....they are still shabby but now more identifiable.
Since getting these I have had a few more bits in, and will post them soon. Sorry to be so late with an response, I managed to miss your posting till today.

[David R]

I did another arms fair over the weekend, and bought two new items. The Keris is posted over in the appropriate forum, a battered example but I am content with it at the price. The other is a small dha which I had seen the previous fair in a western scabbard. This time the dealer had it in the right one, albeit damaged...so I bought it, and filled a gap in my collection. The end of the sheath is damaged and lacking an end cap, so I will have to get one made for it.
The inlay is yellow metal and let in properly in cut cells as opposed to koftgari, in fact to me the blade looks a bit well made for the quality of the hilt and scabbard.

[Battara]

Nice brass inlay. Well done.

[A.alnakkas]

Got this today.