Original Item: Only One Available. This is definitely an interesting helmet, and something we have not seen before! This sun hat falls into a category known as the “Animal Brand” hats due to the different names embossed on the sweatbands, this one being Hare. One of the great misconceptions of Japanese tropical headgear of the Second World War is that the pattern known to collectors as “English,” “safari” or “European” was in fact produced outside of Japan. This is likely based on the fact that the helmets are similar in shape externally to the various Indian pattern helmets.

Another confusing element when it comes to these pith helmets is that the labels are in english! However, it is widely accepted that these helmets were in fact produced in Japan and likely before the war began.

It is believed that these helmets were constructed out of cork imported from Portugal. In the 1930s, the Japanese government produced and exported steel helmets that were tested by the Portuguese, so it actually makes sense that they would import the cork from them.

These helmets were made by a number of firms, which was indicated by the labels. It is known that there were several firms and most had animal monikers. These included: Elephant, Swan, Hare and Dragonfly with the latter being hardly ever encountered.

Little documentation has surfaced in the years since the Second World War to explain where these firms were located or exactly how late these helmets were produced. However, given that the Japanese geared up for war throughout the 1930s it is likely these European style helmets ceased to be produced shortly after the 1937 invasion of China and the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

This example is in near perfect condition with some fading present on the outside as well as the interior. The leather sweatband is embossed in gold with Hare Brand Hats / Extra Quality. The top paper label is still present with the original paper label which reads as TROPICAL HELMET / Superior Quality. The chinstrap is still present and shows no signs of wear.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.