Japan, Imperial. An Sergeant Major’s M98 Tunic, c.1944

This is an extremely well-preserved Imperial Japanese Army Sergeant Major M98 service tunic, constructed of olive-drab coloured wool twill. The collars of the tunic are flanked by tabs, constructed of multi-coloured, machine-embroidered rayon. Each tab consists of a red base bisected by a golden-yellow central band, in turn bearing three five-pointed stars, and measures 17 mm (w) x 40 mm (l). Each breast flap has two pockets, with the upper pockets opening with a horizontal flap bearing a reinforced buttonhole meeting a magnetic metal button. The lower pockets open with a simple horizontal flap. Pinned into the tunic above the upper left pocket is a medal bar featuring an Order of the Sacred Treasure, measuring 38 mm (w) x 10 mm (h). The tunic is closed with five brown bakelite buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. The exterior features are completed with a wool strap on the left side closing with a reinforced buttonhole meeting a magnetic metal button. The interior of the tunic features a complete white cotton liner, with the left flap bearing a black ink stamp in Japanese characters indicating that the tunic was manufactured in 1944, is of medium size, and has passed official inspection. There is a single interior pocket, located at the lower left breast. The interior is completed by an integral cotton suspension loop. It measures approximately 460 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 490 mm and an overall body length of 670 mm. Sporadic patches of soiling are evident to the exterior, but the tunic is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.