Japanese Army Helmet

[WalterB]

Nutmeg: Interesting point. Now that I think about it, it does look like palm leaves rather than bamboo. This does make sense, considering that Japanese soldiers were known to climb on top of palm trees and shoot at US forces.

Chris: Thank you for your comments. As to the US vet trimming the palm leaves, I am not sure if he actually did that, although I kind of doubt it. It seems more plausible to me that the US vet simply grabbed the helmet and stuffed it in his bag and eventually sent it home with his other "loot".

[Dave Kane]

Fabulous helmets guys!!!

[helmhunter]

One-of-a-kind helmet
congrat Walter
If one day you want a new homme for this one...
phil

[WalterB]

Thank you, Dave and Phil.

Is anyone able to identify the Kanji characters on the liner?

[Eric Doody]

Thank you, Dave and Phil.

Is anyone able to identify the Kanji characters on the liner?

WalterB,

Thanks for posting the photos of your two Army Model 90 helmets.

The kanji on the liner pad of the Army Model 90 helmet with net and foliage is more than likely the last name of the soldier that the helmet was issued to. I can make out what appears to be the kanji "sa," which is the kanji on the left, but the other kanji on the right is too faint for me to make out. ("Sa" would be the first part of the last name while the second kanji, which I can't make out, would be the second part of the last name.)

Hope this helps.

Eric

[Joe]

Is it possible to do a research on a Japanese soldier's name found in a helmet? Joe

[WalterB]

WalterB,

Thanks for posting the photos of your two Army Model 90 helmets.

The kanji on the liner pad of the Army Model 90 helmet with net and foliage is more than likely the last name of the soldier that the helmet was issued to. I can make out what appears to be the kanji "sa," which is the kanji on the left, but the other kanji on the right is too faint for me to make out. ("Sa" would be the first part of the last name while the second kanji, which I can't make out, would be the second part of the last name.)

Hope this helps.

Eric

Eric, thank you for your help! I will try to see if I can figure out the details of the second kanji character. Thanks.

Oh, the second helmet pictured is not mine, it is nutmeg's.

[Jean-Loup]

Two incredible helmets you guys have got there.

JL

[Jean-Loup]

By the way, I think bamboo leaves are very brittle compared to palm leaves; Which would indicate these are palm leaves.

JL

[Eric Doody]

Eric, thank you for your help! I will try to see if I can figure out the details of the second kanji character. Thanks.

Oh, the second helmet pictured is not mine, it is nutmeg's.

WalterB,

Roger that!

I stand corrected, those are nice helmets that you and nutmeg posted photos of...thanks!

I have a Navy Model 90 helmet & net with palm leaves that I will take some photos of and post when time permits.

Eric

[Eric Doody]

Is it possible to do a research on a Japanese soldier's name found in a helmet? Joe

Joe,

I am not aware of how a Japanese surname can be researched.

Eric

[Joe]

It's probibly impossible to do & I've never heard of anyone doing it. But it sure would be great to know aliitle about "Kameo Takahashi". Joe

[Eric Doody]

Here is a photo of the Navy Model 90 helmet that I have with net and palm leaves...

[WalterB]

Here is a photo of the Navy Model 90 helmet that I have with net and palm leaves...

Wow, that is a nice one! Navy to boot! Any story/provenance behind it? I like it, thank you for posting it

[Eric Doody]

Wow, that is a nice one! Navy to boot! Any story/provenance behind it? I like it, thank you for posting it

WalterB,

Unfortunately there is no story and/or provenance with the Navy helmet. I've known of the helmet for the past 12 or so years and was finally able to pick it up for my collection. Glad you liked the photo.

Eric