Japanese Cap Opinions Wanted

[J.G.C.]

I just picked up this cap, I would appreciate the forums input. This is not an area that I'm comfortable with. Thanks Jon

[Jareth]

Nice original, unissued example of a late petty officer's field cap

[J.G.C.]

Is it considered a NLF or naval hat? Thanks Jon

[Jareth]

Worn by both navy & NLF. We collectors refer to it as navy.

[J.G.C.]

Thanks for the information. Jon

[cbuehler]

Typical nice example of the Shanghai made caps, this one dated 1944. These are relatively common to find and should not be too expensive. Some years ago a large cache of these Shanghai made caps was discovered, all unissued.
Cannot estimate just how many, but it was substantial.
By 1943, the entire Japanese Navy switched to the green uniforms. The old SNLF, as it was termed, became defunct by 1944 as more and more Naval personnel became shore based and were pressed into land operations alongside the Army.

CB