Black IJA helmet from Japan

[NARVIK1940]

I just picked this one up from a seller in Japan. He claims it is a "night intruder" helmet. I suppose Japanese veterans returning from the war could bring such a helmet back from occupied territory. Or it could have served some purpose on the mainland. I understand these are a bit of a mystery.

This one has the name Yamamoto stitched on the chin strap. The seller says the liner is dated 1944, but I have not tried to verify that. I have been wanting one of these for a while. They don't come up that often.

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[NARVIK1940]

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[NARVIK1940]

Here it is next to my dark grey IJN helmet.

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[Geoff Ward]

black

I have encountered a Murata rifle that was painted black.Has anyone else run across black painted weapons? I have heard that black painted items were Navy although I haven't a clue

[Jareth]

Yes black paint was used on some weapons & bayonets to add another layer of protection against rust. Many collectors believe this points towards use by the navy.

[lorre]

i have also a black painted ijn helmet it was tomas termote that found this beauty directly from a vet in japan