Well... 1) It has to be created by a High Elf blacksmith, preferably a worshipper of Tunare. It also requires the help of a Cleric or Druid of Tunare... so a High Elf Cleric of Tunare would be your best bet to buy from.
2) The smithing of the item itself is harder than Fine Plate... skill over 175 I'm told. Getting this kind of skill is going to cost the person a few thousand plat, even with reselling... simply because of all the alternate stuff that's available, smithing is declining again.
3) The materials are not easy to come by, and the Temper for the Mithril has to be made by a high level rogue or shaman... thus, more expense.
4) Any smith worth his/her salt is going to make their own stuff, then stuff for their guild first... so you'll have to wait in line.
If you can bring all the materials, that will often cut the price... if you're in the person's same guild, that will often cut it even further.
I'd say a minimum of 2k for this item, all things considered.
Me, I'm going to start working on smithing soon. Hopefully I can get enough support from my guild to make it worthwhile.
fyi i heard there is a forge in dalnirs cavern that NEVER FAILS check it out on EQ atlas its in the 3rd floor i think would definitely make this a worthwhile trip btw.
Colmir Chosinone 39th Intiate of Tunare Saryn Server