The Evolution of the Japanese Imperial Army Sun Helmet (1915-1945)

[Nick Komiya]

Here's an interesting photo of a horse wearing the sun helmet I discussed in post #16

[Westernhighlander]

This appears to be a 1941 April, Side Vent Grommets Discontinued (Type 98 Version 2).

It has an IJN badge attached to the front and characters as well as an anchor painted on the side.

Is this an IJA helmet with an IJN emblem attached or is it an IJN helmet?

What do the characters and anchor painted on the side represent?

Was painting/personalizing the equipment permitted?



Thanks in advance

[Jareth]

This helmet has been making the rounds. An army pith with a repro navy badge added plus post war , GI gibberish painting on side

[Westernhighlander]

Thanks
So to restore it, replace the IJA badge with an army star and (try to) remove the paint ?

[Jareth]

Going to be next to impossible to restore it. Finding a correct star insignia will be difficult. There will always be telltale hole. Paint can not be successfully removed from fabric. In my opinion it’s a lost cause. Can you return it?

[Westernhighlander]

How is the metal star attached to the helmet if not through a hole?

[Jareth]

Valid point. I had confused the pith for later variation that had sewn on star.