Original Chinese WWII Officer’s Cork Sun Helmet by Equator Brand with U.S. Made Chinese Sun Badge
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Original Item. Only One Available. Many armies marched into China while wearing sun helmets. This included the European powers that fought in the Boxer Rebellion, the American soldiers that protected U.S. interests in the early 20th century, and notably the Japanese that invaded in 1937. However, the sun helmet was also used by Nationalist forces during the prolonged war with Japan. Philip Jowett noted in his book The Chinese Army: 1937-49 – World War II and Civil War (Osprey Publishing, 2005, page 24): “Some Nationalist soldiers wore a distinctive cork pith helmet of the polo style.”
This is an outstanding example of a Chinese-made sun helmet with a cloth-covered cork construction. The exterior color is white with a white canvas trim along the rim. The original leather chinstrap is retained, stretched taut over the front brim, and in an interesting design choice, the chinstrap comes through holes in the sides and stretches over the crown through a small leather loop. To the front is a gorgeous enamel Chinese sun badge which appears U.S.-made.
The interior shows retention of some of the original crinkly foil-like material that lines the hat. On the crown is a large maker’s label for EQUATOR BRAND, “Best English Manufacture”. This brand certainly exported many of these hats before and after the war. The sweatband has several cork spacers to provide minor protection from impact.
The condition is overall excellent with heavy color fading and some staining on the exterior, indicative of heavy period use but not abuse.
Only the second example we have offered, and a truly phenomenal one. Ready for display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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