Original Imperial Japanese Pre-WWII Era Lock Box Strongbox with Alarm System Used in Okinawa Jincheng Hospital
In stock
-
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very interesting Japanese “strongbox” from the WWII era, used in Nakagami-gun, Misato-son, Aza-Matsuki, a former administrative location in Nakagami District, Misato Village, Matsuki, located in present-day Okinawa City. The lock box is not currently functional, with a very intricate lock and alarm system under the lid with two large bells. There is a long inscription under the interior lid. The first phrase painted under the inner lid translates to “Carelessness is a great enemy” or “Vigilance is the price of safety.” A very interesting research project.
The back of the exterior of the box is painted with four Kanji characters translating to Kinjyou inn Hospital. There are a few photos with research into the box written on them. There is a key included that winds the alarm, but due to the condition of the mechanism, the alarm will play on its own shortly after it is wound. And it is loud.
The lock box measures roughly 13 ¾ x 9 ½ x 8” with paint chipping along the corners. There is what looks to be a coin slot, so this was likely used for storing money or other valuables. The inscription appears to be dated October of Showa 4, or October 1929. There are also names, including Kinjo Ryoei and family names including his wife and son.
The lid has a safe dial and latch that opens the strongbox when it is in the correct position. It was designed to sound an alarm if the wrong combination was entered. There are no longer any valuables inside, just a couple of empty penny boxes and loose wood pieces. The inscription underneath is very intriguing and is worthy of further research.
The combination of the Kinjō Hospital inscription, Misato Village association, October 1929 date, named family references, apparent coin slot, combination-style lock, winding key, and twin-bell alarm system makes this an exceptionally unusual piece of prewar Okinawan material culture. Its wartime use has not been independently established, but the surviving institutional and geographical inscriptions provide an unusually strong foundation for further research into its history.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
