Translation request: commemorative markings on 75x497R projectile

[ogreve]

Hi,

I have a quick translation request, prior to having this projectile sandblasted before rebanding it and fully restoring it...
Shown is a Japanese 75x497R HE-HV projectile with commemorative markings.

The leftmost column with small Kanji ideograms is fully clear, it is a Showa date, being: "Showa - year 20, month 8, day 15", being August 15th, 1945, the day of the Japanese surrender.

I am very curious to learn what the other Kanji ideograms mean. I would expect them to commemorate the end of the war and/or the Japanese surrender.

Can someone translate them for me?

Kind regards, and thanks in advance,
Olaf

PS: it hurts me somewhat to sandblast it, the markings are really nice, but I am going to bring the projectile back to its original looks. Definitely mixed feelings on that one!

[DrPMC]

Sorry, I can't help you with the translation, although there are people on this forum who can do.

I would urge you to obey your better instincts and do not have this artifact sandblasted. If you do so it will destroy all the originality and most of its historical interest. As it is, it has a beautiful patina that contributes a great part of its appeal (and value, I would add). I say this in the knowledge that I have succumbed to the temptation to 'improve' things - polish, repaint etc. which I now know were acts of sacrilege over which I blush for my younger self.

Regards,

Philip

[MAP]

Agree with Philip. I would not sandblast it either. If this writing is period, it is a piece of history and IMHO should be left untouched.

All in all, I think it looks amazing as it is!! Would look fantastic in a diplay with other Pacific Theater items.

Michael

[Rod]

I agree with Michael and Philip. This can't be the only shell of its kind but it is the only one like it.

I think the writing you are curious about says "Do not sandblast".

Regards, Rod

[MAP]

i agree with michael and philip. This can't be the only shell of its kind but it is the only one like it.

I think the writing you are curious about says "do not sandblast".

Regards, rod

lol!!!!

[chen]

Hope this help.

[Torch]

IF this was mine I would carefully reband it as is,this can be done cold by swaging on a premachined copper ring and resurfacing in a lathe..that way you get your driving bands(which I too would want)without damaging the very important finish this unique piece of history has on its surface.

[ghp95134]

As Mr. Chen says, it is a memorial to the lost war.

負戦記念
Maké-ikusa Kinen
Commemorating Losing the War

昭和二十年八月十五日

--Guy

[harryamb2]

Don't do it.

[Stu W]

Hello Olaf,

What you have is unique. To do anything with it other than appreciate it for what it is would be disappointing IMHO. Perhaps leave it as is for a few months and then see if you still feel the need to refurbish.

Regards,
Stu