Original Item. Only One Available. The Imperial Japanese Navy in World War II, at the beginning of the Pacific War in December 1941, was the third most powerful navy in the world, and the naval air service was one of the most potent air forces in the world. During the first six months of the war, the Imperial Japanese Navy enjoyed spectacular success inflicting heavy defeats on Allied forces, being undefeated in every battle. The attack on Pearl Harbor crippled the battleships of the US Pacific Fleet, while Allied navies were devastated during Japan's conquest of Southeast Asia. Japanese Navy aircraft operating from land bases were also responsible for the sinkings of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse which was the first time that capital ships were sunk by aerial attack while underway. In April 1942, the Indian Ocean raid drove the Royal Navy from South East Asia. After these successes, the Japanese now concentrated on the elimination and neutralization of strategic points from where the Allies could launch counter offensives against Japan's conquests. However, at Coral Sea the Japanese were forced to abandon their attempts to isolate Australia while the defeat at Midway saw them forced on the defensive. The campaign in the Solomon Islands, in which the Japanese lost the war of attrition, was the most decisive; they had failed to commit enough forces in sufficient time.

This is a great set of Imperial Japanese Navy Rear Admiral’s epaulettes. They are in good overall condition but do have some condition issues and heavy wear. 

Each gold lace epaulette bears a Paloma leaf, made from red velvet detailed with silver bullion. Below the leaf is a single silver bullion embroidered cherry blossom, and below this an embroidered silver bullion anchor. The button on each board, which secures it to the coat, is officer's pattern in gilded brass. The underside of the boards are partially covered in black woollen cloth, and with black leather.

There are Kanji characters to the back of each, a good research project.

Some of the leather on the backs is heavily deteriorating and should be displayed properly without damaging them further. The bullion along the edges of the boards is also fraying a bit. These certainly sat in storage for a very long time.

A great set, ready for further research and display.