Original Imperial Japanese WWII IJN Navy M44 Shin-Yo “Suicide Boat” Steel Helmet with Full Line & Chinstrap
In stock
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is an incredibly scarce Japanese helmet worn by Shin-Yo (Kamikaze / Suicide Boat) crew members during the Second World War. The Shinyo suicide boats came into service in 1944. They were fast moving motorboats which were equipped with bow mounted explosives which would detonate on impact or by control of the single occupant of the boat. It is believed 6,197 Shinyo boats were produced for the Japanese navy, with 400 being shipped to the island of Okinawa and Formosa with the others remaining in harbours in Japan to defend against the invasion of the Japanese mainland. The suicide boats came under the Japanese Special Attack Units program. This is the first example of this extraordinary helmet we have ever offered.
The helmet retains much of its original battleship grey paint with roughly 50% of the original Imperial Japanese Navy anchor insignia retained at the front. There is scattered oxidation and scuffing to the exterior as shown. The front of the helmet has an additional steel armor plate, making the helmet rather front-heavy.
Most examples of this helmet are found as shells, with no internals and very little paint. However, this example retains the original three-pad leather liner and most of the original canvas chinstrap ties, though there is scattered oxidation across the ties and rings. The liner retains all three pads but the pillows are gone. The original tie string is retained, but it is no longer tied together.
The rear brim is stamped 0196, and there is no size stamping anywhere. The chinstrap ties have a great “been-there” look and really make for an outstanding display opportunity with this helmet on a mannequin head, however do advise that one side is a lot shorter, likely due to material loss from rust staining.
A bodacious Japanese offering, possibly the only example we will ever have! Comes ready to serve as the centerpiece of any Imperial Japanese collection.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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