WWII Japanese Epaulettes

[Blacksmith Life]

Hi All, and Happy New Year.

I was hoping to get some help identifying the shoulderboards in the photos below. They were carried home after WWII, by a Marine that participated in the assaults on Tinian, Saipan, and Iwo.

Any insights - including value - would be much appreciated. They are not for sale, as they belong to the family of the Marine.

Thank you in advance.

[GeorgeP]

They are colonial in nature. Nan'yo colony. Probably from Saipan or maybe Tinian. Possibly Sonin rank? Very nice and quite rare.

Tom

[beretta1934]

They are colonial in nature. Nan'yo colony. Probably from Saipan or maybe Tinian. Possibly Sonin rank? Very nice and quite rare.

Tom

I second Tom's opinion on these. These were Japanese "colonial like" from the mandate given after WWI to the Second world war - google Nanyo

Value is hard to place as they are administrative/governmental (not military and they are are from a formal dress uniform (noncombat). An interesting historical item that might have it's highest value if auctioned in Japan?? hard to say. In the condition shown (ripped backing, etc - but with case, I'd say $250 -$350 range stateside.

Best person to place value on these would be "Imperial Japan"

[GHP]

.... - google Nanyo...

Here ya go: South Pacific Mandate

Nan'yō 南洋 means "South Pacific".

The two pips on the epaulette appear to be the coat of arms/emblem of the Mandate:




--Guy

[Blacksmith Life]

Thank you

I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate the help.