Japan, Imperial. A Pith Helmet, c.1940

This is an extremely well-preserved Second War period Japanese pith helmet, constructed of a cork shell with a tan-coloured cotton twill exterior liner. The helmet is surrounded by a reinforced brim providing partial protection from the elements. A light brown leather chinstrap is fastened to the inside of the helmet with metal pins at each end, and rests upon the visor with two adjustable metal buckles. A single, five-pointed bronze star is pinned to the peak of the helmet, measuring 22 mm (w) x 22 mm (h). The top is flanked by four reinforced ventilation holes, evenly distributed between the right and left sides. The exterior is completed by successive bands of tan-coloured cotton twill ribbon wrapped around the top in a stylized formation. The underside of the brim is composed of a forest green cotton twill, giving way to an arched reinforcement bearing a light brown, 38 mm-wide leather sweatband. The sweatband bears a partially-intact embossed inscription reading “DAIMARU”. The interior top is lined with paper maché, completing with a magnetic metal ventilation shaft extending into the exterior tip. The helmet measures approximately 265 mm (w) x 332 mm (l) x 172 mm (h). There is some age-appropriate fatigue to the leather sweatband and exterior soiling, but the helmet is in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.