Suit of Armor

<p>Wow, I am surely impressed.  I have not seen one in the U.S. outside of museums (including Hearst Castle), but unfortunately suits of armor are not listed in the Antique Trader 2009 Price Guide, so I can&#39;t assist with this.</p><p>But I sure am impressed.  What an item!</p>

It would be helpful if you could take larger photos of the armor with additional closeups.  It appears to be an Italian design.  Most suits of armor outside of a museum are generally either composites, which have some pieces of original armor and some pieces reproduced to match, or are complete reproductions.  Your armor plating appears to completely match and be one homogenous suit, and therefore, likely to be a reprpoduction.  Reproduction armor was very popular beginning in the 1870's with the attelier of Ernst Schmidt. in Munich  His reproductions were so exact that people could not tell the difference.  It is believed that many suits of armor in museums today, are actually Ernst Schmidt copies and not originals.  Armor copies were made into the early 20th century as it was very popular to have a suit of armor in high end homes and there simply weren't enough authtentic pieces to go around.  Many of these replicas  were well made by master craftsmen and are still worth many thousands of dollars, depending on condition, quality, age and provenance.  Unforunately, knowing the history of a particular piece, and having that documented typically makes it far more valuable.  

Armor replicas are still made today both inexpensive versions in Mexico and expensive pieces in Europe.  A quiick search of the internet and I can find a full suit of armor running anywhere from $500 up to about $7,000.

The question is how old is yours truly, what is the condition, are there any clues to the age based on the wooden stand or the armor itself? Do all the pieces move as intended? Are there any repairs?  

You say that it is for sale.  I could be interested in this piece, but would need to see much clearer photos.  It would also depend, of course, on how much you want for it.