The helmet is signed HARUTA MITSU, making it an Haruta armor. This influential school of armorers was active in Nara from Muromachi times (1333-1573) and throughout the Edo period. They were the first to sign their work. Because the helmet lining it is difficult to see the second kanji of the armorer’s name, it may be SADA.
The mon on the helmet deflectors and hands is that of the Abe clan. During the entire Edo period this clan ruled the Okabe domain in the Mushashi province.
The amour is complete.
Helmet, kabuto
The helmet bowl is colored by sabi nuri. (The sabi nuri process involves applying layers of urushi lacquer mixed with iron filings or iron oxide powder to create a matte, antique, rust-like finish). The peak is covered in stenciled leather. Twelve triangular plates meet at the pointed top around a small hole, tehen. The hole is surmounted by five flower shaped plates, tehen kanamono, alternately gilt/brass and copper.
At the back of the bowl is a tasseled cord, agemaki.
Helmet cord and lining are in place.
The bowl is signed on the inside at the rear: HARUTA MITSU … (and possibly SADA)
Neck guard, shikoro, of five plates with alternating green and orange lacing, the upper plate is turned up to form deflectors, fukigaeshi, which are also covered in stenciled leather and having gilt heraldic devices, mon, in the shape of a oak leaf inside a circle.
On the peak, mabezashi, a helmet crest, maedate, in the shape of a silver “demon head” with gold or gilt fangs (an oni (鬼) in Japanese folklore, that is a "demon", but with trollish elements as it is part of nature).
Mask, menpō
Brown lacquered, of fierce looking type, ressei men, with detachable nose and flanges for the helmet cord along the sides. The inside is lacquered red, the open mouth has silver plated teeth.
Throat guard of five plates, alternating green and orange lacing, same pattern as helmet.
Cuirass, dō
In two parts with hinges on the left side and cords for tying on the right. This is called mogami do. Made of plates which are laced tightly with green braid. Two rings on the front of the breast plate, one to hold the saihai, a commander’s baton, the other to hold a handkerchief or a towel.
Fastened to the cuirass there are thigh protections, kuzasuri, in six parts, each consisting of seven iron plates, black lacquered alternating green and orange lacing, same pattern as helmet.
Shoulder guards, sode
Medium size, black lacquered plates with alternating green and orange lacing, same pattern as helmet.
Arm guards, kote
Upper part with three horizontal and 4 x 5 vertical iron plates linked together by chain mail, kusari, mounted on green and gold brocade. The lower part covers the lower arm with three hinged iron plates with embossed bamboo decoration. The hand cover is also in black lacquered iron plates with gilt mon, the same as on the helmet. It is in four parts linked together to ensure flexibility of the fingers.
The iron part of the lower arm has a gilt tablet with the signature: NOBUTADA SAKU meaning made by Nobutada.
Skirt, haidate
22 plates in each of six rows mounted on green and gold brocade.
Shin guards, suneate
The shin guards each contain five vertical iron plates hinged together, mounted on brocade, blue cotton lining.