WW2 Imperial Japanese Army / Navy – OFFICER EPAULETTE TRANSPORT BOX – RARE!

You are bidding on a VERY RAREWW2 Imperial Japanese Army / Navy Officer Epaulette Storage and Transport Case! Constructed of lightweight stamped sheet steel, this larger-format case was designed specifically to accommodate oversized ceremonial and dress epaulettes worn by officers on formal uniforms, protecting them from damage when not mounted on the tunic.During the Second World War, Japanese Army officers used rigid, highly structured epaulettes for dress and parade uniforms that required careful handling and separate storage. Purpose-made metal cases such as this were intended for travel, barracks storage, and transport inside trunks or luggage. These epaulette cases are encountered far less frequently than other uniform accessories and represent a scarce and specialized item of Imperial Japanese officer equipment.Made lightweight sheet steel, this example shows period use and wear throughout. Fairly solid, however, many original tack welds have come loose, resulting in minor separation at stress points along the body (easy to rectify, if one wishes). The original top carry handle is missing, with evidence of its former attachment still visible. There are visible material tears, edge wear, oxidation, surface loss, and deformation consistent with wartime manufacture and long-term use. The interior lining remains present but shows wear. No repairs or restoration have been attempted. I ah ve shown how this box was used in the last photo (REFERENCE ONLY). All condition issues are clearly shown in the photographs and should be reviewed carefully.