Japanese Military Pith Helmet

[buellmeister]

Hi guys,

I wanted to show you all my most recent purchase. This is a WWII Japanese Pith Helmet, though missing the cap device, has an interesting inscription on the liner band. It reads, "Liberated from Japanese Army Korea 1945 Quanju Richard F. Smith Lt. I Co 20 Inf 24 Corps." The Inscription certainly tells a story all unto its own. Further research will continue.

I'll certainly keep my feelers out for the original device that adorned the front as well.

Thank you for any further information you can provide.

Joel

[buellmeister]

A couple more pictures

[Nick Komiya]

Not a military sun helmet, but type worn by Japanese Civil Servant Officials. In Korea, the civil government, police and foresters all wore sun helmets like this.

[buellmeister]

Nick,

I thank you for your input and expertise. Though not military issued, it's good to know it still has military appeal with who liberated it and unit unit the soldier served in.

Thank you again!

Joel

[toot]

thank you so muck for sharing it with us.

[ghp95134]

Made in Showa 10 [1935] and named to:
山本 二

the given name, 二 [2], can be pronounced:
じんいち
Jin'ichi

すすむ
Susumu

たすく
Tasuku

つぎ
Tsugi

つぐる
Tsuguru
つづき

[Nick Komiya]

I looked up Korean regulations for you, and judging by the distance of the insignia prong holes in front and number of vent holes, it can only be a Korean Police Sun Helmet as introduced in 1932 (production date on yours is 1935).

[ghp95134]

I recommend we petition the Emperor to elevate Nick Komiya as "Warrelics Living International Treasure."

[jeeplover]

it would be cool to find the badge and see if it fits.

[Nick Komiya]

The Japanese mainland police insignia is close, but the Korean version has a much larger rising sun.