OC611.)WWII IMPERIAL JAPNESE NAVY OFFICER'S SUN HELMET: spectacular period example tailored in Hong Kong during the 1941-1945 Japanese occupation. Note that the Imperial Japanese Navy device at front was applied behind the lining and could not have possibly been added after this sun helmet was fashioned.....the device was applied during the hat's construction. Olive-tan canvas body and constructed of six separate panels and with domed ventilation button at top. Note too that this canvas fabric is the correct Japanese type for sun helmets and other military headgear, not British. On each side are brown enamel finished ventilation grommets. Sun helmet band is made of five overlapping and nested layers. Brown leather trim around the outside of the visor, soft and supple and intact. At front is stamped chrysanthemum/anchor device for the Imperial Japanese Navy....this device is screw-back and has brass washer too located behind the gauze-like lining. Brown oilcloth sweat band, intact and showing minor wear and age. Inside crown is Hong Kong paper maker's label 'Lion Brand Best Quality Tropical Helmet' and Hong Kong maker 'SUN WENG SENG'. With paper size label '7 1/4'. Just outstanding. EXC++++