Help me save a Japanese hat!

[wright]

So recently I got lucky at an auction and managed to snag some really nice US military gear even though I'm a broke student. All of it was named to the same guy, but at the very bottom of the box I found this:




The inside is in similar condition:

The metal seems to be corroding


First of all, I don't normally collect Japanese militaria so I'd love to know more about it. Is it real? Who would've used it?

Secondly, how should I take care of it? Is there anything I can do to reshape it, prevent any further mothing and corrosion? It is quite dirty and covered in cobwebs, what's the safest way to clean it?

As a side note, I put all the US military tunics I got in the box out in my breezeway, and some of those show signs of minor mothing but nothing like this hat. How can I make sure the moths aren't in the hat or any of the other gear anymore so I can put them on display? I am worried about the moths spreading, should I be keeping these items separate? I appreciate any help!

[RussellM]

Looks to be an early enlisted mans army cap.

Don't try and clean it with anything, just remove the cobwebs and leave it as it is.

You could place it on a display head to try and get the shape back but it looks like it could be a bit fragile so handle with care.

I've heard of some collectors putting moth eaten items in plastic bags and then putting them in the freezer, but wait for some comments from collectors who are experienced in conservation to help.

Nice one!

Regards

Russ

[Jareth]

I'd put it in a zip lock & leave it in freezer for a few weeks!

[wright]

I'd put it in a zip lock & leave it in freezer for a few weeks!

This won't damage the hat at all? What should I do about the bigger items that are US?

[Jareth]

No. Won't damage cap

[Rod G]

I'd put it in a zip lock & leave it in freezer for a few weeks!

I've done exactly that with a couple of field caps over moth larvae concerns, absolutely zero negative results.

That's a very rare 1st version field cap. Anything you try to do to "clean it up" will destroy value. They ALWAYS look moth eaten because they're felt and delicious to moths. 2 weeks in a freezer bag in the freezer is the only thing that will help it.

Rod

P.S. you struck pay dirt, it's worth something north of $750 conservatively so don't be fooled by lowball offers!

[wright]

Alright, taking everyone's advice and putting it in the freezer now.

That's a very rare 1st version field cap. Anything you try to do to "clean it up" will destroy value. They ALWAYS look moth eaten because they're felt and delicious to moths. 2 weeks in a freezer bag in the freezer is the only thing that will help it.

Rod

How could you tell it's a 1st version field cap? I don't know anything about Japanese militaria and I tried to do some research earlier but most of the caps looked almost the same. How rare is it?

[Rod G]

How could you tell it's a 1st version field cap? I don't know anything about Japanese militaria and I tried to do some research earlier but most of the caps looked almost the same. How rare is it?

Very rare! I was p.s.ing below while you were posting. Moulded one piece felt body instead of sewn panels, punched out unreinforced air vents, no size adjustment tie string in back and unreinforced peak in front", it's classic and correct. Most of these were worn out and replaced before 1940.

Rod

[wright]

Very rare! I was p.s.ing below while you were posting. Moulded one piece felt body instead of sewn panels, punched out unreinforced air vents, no size adjustment tie string in back and unreinforced peak in front", it's classic and correct. Most of these were worn out and replaced before 1940.

Rod

That's awesome! Thank you so much for all this information!

[Jareth]

This is actually a variation because of seperate brim. I believe earliest were one piece construction. Still a rare cap & most are found with some degree of insect damage