My father and collecting partner acquired this helmet at least 50 years ago. I have not seen it for decades. After his passing in 2021, our Japanese collection items were consolidated at my house – so I thought. Recently, while searching in one of her closets, my mother found an overlooked box containing the helmet. That was a surprise for me, as it was long-forgotten. Most of our early collected Japanese militaria items were sold in the 70s/80s to fund our focus on Japanese pistols – I just figured he had disposed of it somewhere. Now, I’d like to know more about the helmet and its value. So, helmet collectors, please educate me.
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Rampage19
Lost and Found Japanese Helmet
My father and collecting partner acquired this helmet at least 50 years ago. I have not seen it for decades. After his passing in 2021, our Japanese collection items were consolidated at my house – so I thought. Recently, while searching in one of her closets, my mother found an overlooked box containing the helmet. That was a surprise for me, as it was long-forgotten. Most of our early collected Japanese militaria items were sold in the 70s/80s to fund our focus on Japanese pistols – I just figured he had disposed of it somewhere. Now, I’d like to know more about the helmet and its value. So, helmet collectors, please educate me.
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That’s a nice one Dan 👍
I bought my first one in the late 60s for $35 and now have five Army helmets and one Navy helmet. I haven’t checked on current values but I’m sure someone else can help with that. I remember my dad who was a veteran of Saipan and Okinawa telling me how they used to kick them out of the way 😳
I bought my first one in the late 60s for $35 and now have five Army helmets and one Navy helmet. I haven’t checked on current values but I’m sure someone else can help with that. I remember my dad who was a veteran of Saipan and Okinawa telling me how they used to kick them out of the way 😳
Hello. The late Nick Komiya has an article on the history/development of the IJA helmet on the War Relics Forum.
Your helmet seems complete and in nice condition. One thing many of the IJA helmets have that are for sale is the chin strap is damaged at its ends. Yours appears to have the sewn "arrow head" shaped (proper) ends.
Current prices on GB and eBay are somewhat all over the place and condition also is important in the pricing. These prices are ranging from approximately. $900 to $1500 on average. Hope this helps.
Your helmet seems complete and in nice condition. One thing many of the IJA helmets have that are for sale is the chin strap is damaged at its ends. Yours appears to have the sewn "arrow head" shaped (proper) ends.
Current prices on GB and eBay are somewhat all over the place and condition also is important in the pricing. These prices are ranging from approximately. $900 to $1500 on average. Hope this helps.
Nice re-find! I see your helmet has a red painted star. I have one with this feature as well. A well known collector of Japanese militaria told me it was a Chicom modification but I secured it directly from the vet‘s son along with other Japanese pieces. I was told by other collectors that he just liked to denigrate other folk’s finds. So does anyone know what a red painted star signifies? My helmet was marked to a lieutenant so maybe it indicates an officer?
Len
Len
Nice example Dan! I’ve seen a few others with stars painted red, yellow, black and white. In my opinion post war. Most common color stars painted is red and many collectors feel that indicates Chinese usage
Thank you everyone for the informative comments - I'm learning. Below is a closer image of the star and chin strap ends for previous comments. I assume the non-standard star color is an unresolved issue but most likely post-war?
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