I just picked this up at War Relics Shop in Milford Delaware. The owner named Sims was assigned to Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 17 during the battle of Tarawa. I would assume he picked it up from a Marine or found it on the island after the battle (helmet dedicated Nov 25...island secured Nov 23). The front insignia was removed prior to the art applied (Imperial NLF?) A four digit number and a Kanji symbol are painted in white painted inside the shell. The symbols painted in black on the skirts seems a different paint than the art work so is it Japanese applied? I think it is a nice artifact from the Battle of Tarawa. Opinions welcome. Ron.
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Last edited by Ron P; 10-27-2014, 07:54 PM. -
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The lettering inside the helmet is Japanese.
マ ㋙ 二０
Ma (Ko) 20
ロ ３１５７
Ro 3157
Katakana was also used as a numbering system the same way we use (A) (B) (C).Comment
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Once again, thank you. Have any idea what the numbers could mean? Ron.Originally posted by GHP View PostComment
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Sorry Ron, only the surmise that the helmet might be assigned to a certain position.Originally posted by Ron P View Post
--GuyComment
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Really nice helmet Ron.
It has Navy attributes - check the liner band to see if there is an anchor stamp, as some have it, some don't.
Regards
RussComment
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Great Vet art helmet!Comment
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navy helmet
No question that is a navy helmet. Look for that embossed naval anchor somewhere on the liner band. Its a small mark maybe 5mm in diameter.
Nice.
JapaneseOrdnance At Yahoo.comComment
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Thanks for the comments guys. My own assumption is that it is a SNLF helmet as the bulk of the defenders on Betio were the 6th SNLF. If anyone knows what the markings inside the helmet may represent, please chime in. Ron.Comment
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No one knows for sure what interior dome numbers mean. Some think it's an accounting/ inventory number from helmet factory & others believe it might be soldiers personal number. Over the years no new info on these numbers has come to light. Whichever, it has no bearing on helmets supposed history. I'm always wary over vet painted helmets. Too many industious Seabees producing souvinersComment
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" I'm always wary over vet painted helmets. Too many industious Seabees producing souviners"
Well Jareth, I suppose that could be said about every "Soldier Art" item ever produced in every conflict. I can be very skeptical myself, but in this case, I'm willing to take a chance.
Last edited by Ron P; 10-29-2014, 05:12 PM.Comment
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European theatre less so. Every item has a history. Without assuming it's an iron clad provenance with capture papers, G.I records documents etc. knowing where an item might possibly been captured adds little without this kind of documentation. Every Japanese rifle is a sniper, all plane parts are from a zero & all items are from major island battles should be taken with a grain of salt. EnjoyComment
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