IJA Field Cap

**bestmsdt** · 07-28-2019, 05:26 PM

Finally saw a cap I couldn't let go! After my time on this forum and Nick's articles I have been a bit perplexed by these field caps. They are not cheap in Britain, and most of the ones I have looked at haven't had the military issue boxes despite the price being asked. Are some examples reservist or civilian items? Or indeed Post-War? They often have the Chrysanthemum gold buttons on the chin strap.
I am pretty confident about this one though. Named and dated 1941.
Cheers,
Tony

**ghp95134** · 07-28-2019, 07:13 PM

Cap is named to
outside stitching, reading from right to left:
イフジムラ
I [イ] Fujimura
The イ is possibly some sort of designator. Inside on the label:

藤村正治
Fujimura Shoji

**Ryoyo** · 07-28-2019, 07:23 PM

Nice cap.
As far as the depot stamp inside, issued caps should have them, but that doesn't mean a cap without one is automatically no good. Japanese officers were not issued their uniforms, they had to buy all their kit themselves, so an officer's cap would not have a military depot stamp. I imagine some NCOs and maybe even some better off enlisted men bought private purchase uniforms as well.

**bestmsdt** · 07-28-2019, 07:30 PM

Thanks Guy, let's hope that Fujimurasan made it back home.
Cheers,
Tony

**bestmsdt** · 07-28-2019, 07:33 PM

Hi Ryoyo,
Thanks. Was also told yesterday that some of the last military issue caps had no liners and so no stamps. Bit of a minefield.
Cheers,
Tony

**Ryoyo** · 07-28-2019, 08:07 PM

by bestmsdt

Hi Ryoyo,
Thanks. Was also told yesterday that some of the last military issue caps had no liners and so no stamps. Bit of a minefield.
Cheers,
Tony

But be aware of military-looking work clothes, school uniforms, and civil defense kit being passed off (intentionally or ignorantly) as "late war" military. Need to do your research for things like that.