Mesh SNLF Cap

[zimmerit]

Hi all- I just picked this up and wondered if anyone could give me some info, I haven’t seen one like this. Looks like a tropical/summer weight SNLF cap in a mesh-like material. When you look through one side it’s almost translucent. Common? Early? Late? Thanks!

[Jareth]

That printed insignia is controversial. Some think it's a fake used to enhance late war civilian style caps. Certainly not SNLF but at best civilian employee of navy

[RussellM]

Has the insignia been stitched through the liner?

Regards

Russ

[zimmerit]

Jareth- thanks for the info. I know the provenance on it so I’m not concerned about the authenticity, but I’m curious why it would be a civilian cap and not snlf? Looks similar in color to standard snlf caps and has identical insignia. Not saying it isnt, just curious why.

[zimmerit]

Has the insignia been stitched through the liner?

Regards

Russ

Hi Russ- no it has not

[schwrz]

It can't be an "SNLF cap" as there is no such thing, it's merely a collector's term.
The insignia is almost certainly for a naval student. It's a very late version.

[Jareth]

Unless indicated by some additional kanji all caps and helmets with anchor insignia are considered navy. There is only one true, accepted early wool body cap with two piece felt insignia that's considered SNLF issued. Other caps could of been worn but are at first & foremost considered navy. I agree with above. Either student, civilian employed by navy, navy Arsenal or factory worker etc

[zimmerit]

Thanks for the clarification

[ROBB]

Was the provenance "picked up off battlefield" or "bought back from Japan"? Rob

[zimmerit]

Rob- nothing specific, just that it’s a direct vet estate find. I know enough that a hat in this condition is not a battlefield find.

[schwrz]

Unless indicated by some additional kanji all caps and helmets with anchor insignia are considered navy. There is only one true, accepted early wool body cap with two piece felt insignia that's considered SNLF issued. Other caps could of been worn but are at first & foremost considered navy. I agree with above. Either student, civilian employed by navy, navy Arsenal or factory worker etc

Even the early wool "SNLF Cap" is not specifically for SNLF. Calling any item "SNLF" fails to take into account that SNLF were merely a small number of units in the much larger total number of Japanese naval infantry units. There is no such thing as an SNLF item, only Japanese naval infantry or NLF items.

[Jareth]

Great to have Nick back