Japan, Imperial. An Imperial Japanese Army EM/NCO’s Visor Cap, c. 1920

This is a well-preserved Imperial Japanese Army EM/NCO’s visor cap, constructed of olive drab wool. The crown of the cap is flanked on each side by dual metal-reinforced ventilation holes. The cap features a central insignia in the form of a stylized cherry blossom, constructed of gilded bronze and fastened to the cap with two reverse attachment prongs visible on the interior. Each side bears a gilded bronze button with a raised cherry blossom, holding in place a black leather chinstrap which rests upon the visor. The visor itself is constructed of lacquered black vulcanfibre and is securely attached with a row of machine stitching. The interior of the cap has a 25-mm wide sweatband constructed of buckram with a finish of black lacquer. It features a complete black silk liner, with the crown bearing a label with Japanese characters. The cap is otherwise unmarked and measures approximately 225 mm (w) x 242 mm (l) x 120 mm (h). There is significant mothing and material fatigue evident to the wool features, as well as deterioration of the sweatband. In near very fine condition.