I have had this armor passed down to me from my father and before him it was my grandfathers. I know from my grandfather and from some research I have been able to do myself that it is a set of armor from the mid 1800's and that the markings show that it belonged to the Ito family samurai. Also, the blue dye for the time period was extremely rare due to the small amount that was available and the process that was required to get the said dye was very restricted to a select few.
I am posting this armor here to have an appraisal done for an insurance claim. The company I was storing it with while I was serving over seas for the military was robbed and my armor was the big target for said thief.
I need an honest appraisal at the maximum this piece could go for if sold today in its current condition in the photos. If they recover it all the better for me and I won't have to worry about the insurance claim. I would prefer this route obviously be the one to come about considering the money, although helpful, will still not replace the sentimental value of the armor and the history it has with my family. Thank you.
Re: Japanese Samurai Armor Mid 19th Century
Hello, I'd say this suit of armor is around 9,100 USD, which is a lot of money for a suit of armor. I am a collector of antique samurai armor, so you can trust me. I hope I have helped you in your insurance quest and wish that you have found your armor.
Sincerely, Brandon