I know that the IJN marked equipment with an anchor stamp (see here and here for samples). I was wondering if the Army had a similar practice? If so, what would that stamp be?
The reason for the question is that I’m trying to track down which ship my grandfather worked on after the Japanese surrender. He was sent to Japan immediately after the surrender, where, among his other duties, he worked on converting one of the Japanese aircraft carriers into a repatriation ship. He gave me a sextant that he told me came off of the bridge of the aircraft carrier he worked on. I’ve grown curious and want to find out which ship that was. My research shows that only three carriers were used for repat. duty after the war: the Hosho, the Katsuragi and the Kumano-Maru. I believe that it was NOT from the Hosho since the Hosho was commissioned in 1922 and operated throughout the war. That being the case, her instruments would have been much more used/abused than this one. This sextant was issued July 9, 1944. A bit late for the Hosho. The time-frame would be about right for the Katsuragi and a bit early for the Kumano-Maru.
Additionally, I have learned that the Kumano-Maru was an Army ship. I'm hoping that fact may make a difference. I would like to determine if the Army ships were issued the same instruments and, more importantly, if the 'proof' markings were the same as the Navy. This sextant, and the documentation that goes with it, has the little anchor proof marks. If the Army ships used different markings, I can eliminate the Kumano-Maru and I have my answer!
I have posted a lot of detailed pics of the sextant at:
http://www.johnlanning.com/sextant.html
In addition to the sextant, I also have the Kai-Gunto that was given to my grandfather by one of the Japanese officers from the construction battalion that he worked with on the ship. My uncle has the binoculars from the bridge as well. Unfortunately, neither of these has any relevant markings.
Sorry for being so long winded! Any input, information or suggestions for tracking down which ship it was are most welcome! Thanks for your time and your help!
The reason for the question is that I’m trying to track down which ship my grandfather worked on after the Japanese surrender. He was sent to Japan immediately after the surrender, where, among his other duties, he worked on converting one of the Japanese aircraft carriers into a repatriation ship. He gave me a sextant that he told me came off of the bridge of the aircraft carrier he worked on. I’ve grown curious and want to find out which ship that was. My research shows that only three carriers were used for repat. duty after the war: the Hosho, the Katsuragi and the Kumano-Maru. I believe that it was NOT from the Hosho since the Hosho was commissioned in 1922 and operated throughout the war. That being the case, her instruments would have been much more used/abused than this one. This sextant was issued July 9, 1944. A bit late for the Hosho. The time-frame would be about right for the Katsuragi and a bit early for the Kumano-Maru.
Additionally, I have learned that the Kumano-Maru was an Army ship. I'm hoping that fact may make a difference. I would like to determine if the Army ships were issued the same instruments and, more importantly, if the 'proof' markings were the same as the Navy. This sextant, and the documentation that goes with it, has the little anchor proof marks. If the Army ships used different markings, I can eliminate the Kumano-Maru and I have my answer!
I have posted a lot of detailed pics of the sextant at:
http://www.johnlanning.com/sextant.html
In addition to the sextant, I also have the Kai-Gunto that was given to my grandfather by one of the Japanese officers from the construction battalion that he worked with on the ship. My uncle has the binoculars from the bridge as well. Unfortunately, neither of these has any relevant markings.
Sorry for being so long winded! Any input, information or suggestions for tracking down which ship it was are most welcome! Thanks for your time and your help!
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