Lot 5528

Description

Japan, World War II, Imperial Navy Suicide Boat Pilot helmet, thick cast iron body with heavy brow plate, all original painted finish in navy drab grey paint of which 60% remains, a painted yellow Imperial Navy anchor to the front, interior with its original three pad brown leather liner in good condition, original full-length cloth chin ties intact. No rust or damage, very fine and extremely rare.

The Shinyo 'Sea Quake' were Japanese suicide boats developed during the Second World War. These fast motorboats were driven by one man to speeds of around 56 km/h. Equipped with two depth charges as explosives. The helmet's purpose was to protect the wearer only for the purpose of carrying out his mission.