Japanese belt & buckle

[Ssteve]

Hello,

I was curious if someone might be able to provide me with some information regarding this Japanese belt & buckle.

I apologize for the lack of pictures, but I guess any information regarding the buckle would be help (i.e. WWII era? Organization?). The ammo pouch also was with the belt/buckle.

Any help is very much appreciated.

Best,
Steve

[Ssteve]

Japanese

belt/pouch

[Ssteve]

Thanks,

[SCHUPO]

Steve,

Your belt appears to be Manchukuoan. This buckle flower design is the plum blossom used by Manchukuo.

[Ssteve]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I'm clueless when it comes to Japanese Military could you explain Manchukuo..Japanese Army? Also would this be WWII era?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,

Your belt appears to be Manchukuoan. This buckle flower design is the plum blossom used by Manchukuo.

[imperialjapan]

I am no expert on belts, that is for sure. But I had thought that--generally speaking--the Koreans used the plum crest and the Manchukuo (or Manchurian) crest was the orchid.

[zachb]

Army Preparatory School cadets belt

Is this not a sakura? The buckle pictured with the sakura, or cherry blossom motif, was used on dress belts for Army Preparatory School cadets. Fuller, gives this attribution in Military & Civil Swords..., and I have seen these belts so attributed in other references. The belt itself has been modified, and I would need to see further pictures of the inside of the belt to offer more opinions. The pouch is a standard infantry front ammo pouch, which would not have really ever been worn on this type of dress belt. Zach

[GeorgeP]

I would tend to agree with the Manchukuoan opinion. If you have Dawson's newest sword book, "Swords of Imperial Japan... Cyclopedia Edition", and check out pg. 361, figure 28-3, it describes the picture in the book as being: "The twenty-statem Manchukuoan plum blossom." very nearly similar to that being presented in the thread. However, the petals on the buckle do seem to have indentations at the tips pointing to the possibility of a cherry blossom.......

[Ssteve]

Thanks everyone for your replies and help I appreciate it. Certainly out of league here. Thanks again.

Best,
Steve