Japanese #19

Japanese #19 - The shell is an original Type 90, WW2, Japanese combat shell in good condition. When acquired the inner was painted in a light grey, some of this grey still existed on the outer. There were a number of extra holes typical of those that saw Thai service post war. The extra holes were welded up. New chinstrap mounting saddles and rivets were fitted. The shell has the following stamps; the lot number 638 stamped very faintly in the crown; the Japanese character - dai (large) オ and S inside a diamond x two (I think the S inside the diamond is for the Seiko Company); the number 1 and a small triangle; all the stamps are at the centre-rear. This helmet was stripped to bare metal; it was then primed and painted in ship-board grey. The liner is a fine replica of an original. It has a heavy leather outer band and the three leather tongues have calico pouches sewn into the back with little pillow inserts that provide padding and sizing for the liner. The chinstrap and components are nice replicas of the originals. The strap is nicely woven. The helmet has been recreated as an Imperial Japanese Navy helmet to a ship’s crewman with an IJN emblem at the front.

Price: $495 AUD