Seeing that some Forum members have been posting their great Japanese helmets, I thought I would take the opportunity to post some pictures of my Japanese Army helmet. I recently obtained this one and it has a rather interesting background. This helmet was found in a wooden crate which was purchased from a USMC vet’s estate. Along with the helmet, the crate contained a number of other items, such as pieces of Type 99 rifles (two barrels and trigger assemblies), a Japanese bayonet, a cleaning rod and various odds and ends. The crate did contain an amazing (and in great condition) Type 99 sniper rifle. Unfortunately, I was unable to purchase this rare rifle.
The helmet had a small tag attached that indicates it was taken from a Japanese sniper (whether the helmet was also from the former owner of the Type 99 sniper rifle is not known). Judging from certain vet made notations on other items, it appears that all these items came from the Okinawan campaign.
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As you will appreciate from the pictures below, the helmet itself has a net which still contains bamboo leaves tied it. The netting has some breaks to the string along the edges of the helmet, but it is still in relatively good shape and has never been removed. The bamboo is brittle and shows a considerable amount of age, as should be expected. The helmet shell also shows considerable use and has moderate paint loss. I am also attaching a close up of one of the liner pads, since it contains certain Kanji characters which I hope someone here may be able to translate. The last two pictures below have been modified by me in hope that the Kanji characters stand out better and can be more easily identified.
I hope you all enjoy this one. Needless to say, helmets like this one are quite rare (if this one is not downright unique). The first picture shows the front of the helmet:
The helmet had a small tag attached that indicates it was taken from a Japanese sniper (whether the helmet was also from the former owner of the Type 99 sniper rifle is not known). Judging from certain vet made notations on other items, it appears that all these items came from the Okinawan campaign.
<O
</OAs you will appreciate from the pictures below, the helmet itself has a net which still contains bamboo leaves tied it. The netting has some breaks to the string along the edges of the helmet, but it is still in relatively good shape and has never been removed. The bamboo is brittle and shows a considerable amount of age, as should be expected. The helmet shell also shows considerable use and has moderate paint loss. I am also attaching a close up of one of the liner pads, since it contains certain Kanji characters which I hope someone here may be able to translate. The last two pictures below have been modified by me in hope that the Kanji characters stand out better and can be more easily identified.
I hope you all enjoy this one. Needless to say, helmets like this one are quite rare (if this one is not downright unique). The first picture shows the front of the helmet:
, did the helmet come with a cover too?
WALTER, I'M NOT A JAP NUT BUT THAT IS A AWESOME HELMET! DO YOU THINK THAT THE CAMO THAT WAS TIED ON THE NET WAS LONGER AT THE TIME THE SOLDIER PUT IT ON AND THEN CUT DOWN WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT BACK? VERY NICE EXAMPLE PF A BEEN THERE HELMET. CHRIS
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