WWII Japanese Canteen

[ghp95134]

Hello Starnold,

I cannot see if there are more kanji below the strap. What I can see now begins with the Roman numeral III:

III
山
The 山 kanji means mountain and is more than likely the beginning of a surname; here are some examples:

山口 - Yamaguchi
山田 - Yamada
山尾 - Yamao
山中 - Yamanaka
山谷 - San'ya or Yamatani (each kanji has at least 2 pronunciations. 山 can be either "yama" or "san."

--Guy

[starnold]

I did not realize that there was another symbol (Kanji) on there. I do see it now. Here is a picture. It does not match any of your examples though. Any thoughts?

I appreciate it.

Cory

[ghp95134]

山口 - Yamaguchi ... disregard the diagonal scratch in the mouth: 口


--Guy

[ghp95134]

P.S.

The owner used an older style of kanji called "ancient seal script" that often has additional strokes ... or just look very unlike the kanji used today. "Yamaguchi" is easily recognizable, though:

[Rod]

It's possible the "III" is for 3rd Battalion. Roman numerals were generally used to denote battalions within regiments, Arabic for most other formations. Often seen in maps and diaries.

[starnold]

Thanx everyone for the info. Very interesting.