WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy – TYPE 2 TRENCH / FIELD TELEPHONE & CASE – RARE!

You are bidding on a SUPERB and VERY RARE example of a WW2 Imperial Japanese Type 2 Mobile Telephone! This comes complete with the original Leather Case and Carry Straps!There are three types of Japanese field telephones known to exist. The standard telephone was the Type 92. However, the Navy Type 2 Mobile Telephone, often associated with Special Naval Landing Forces (SNLF), was a rare, compact field phone used for specialized wire communications intended for naval field and shore use. It differs from the standard Imperial Japanese Army Type 92 Trench Telephone patterns, and featuresa simple wooden case, a single handset (similar to US and German designs), a buzzer, and a generator.These phones were produced specifically for Navy applications and are far less commonly encountered than Army field telephones. Surviving examples are scarce, particularly when compared to more common Japanese Army communications equipment, and they represent a specialized segment of Imperial Japanese Navy signal gear.Made of a wood, steel, and aluminum this phone is in EXCELLENT used condition! The top cover features one latch button, that when depressed, opens to reveal the hand-crank generator and battery compartment. The telephone handset inside resembles a German field telephone. This set is crudely made by any standards but it contains all the necessary elements of a field telephone. Both the earphone and the microphone are together in a metal ear/mouthpiece, with a 'push to talk' lever along the bottom edge of the assembly. There are some slight paint loss, as you can see in the photos. The cord is fully intact, and the box features the main data label on the front, with a Navy Anchor stamp, and a production date of December 1940. There is also a secondary data plate showing the electrical schematic and instructions. The VERY RARE features is that is still has the original hand cranking arm, that tucks away inside the assembly. These are almost ALWAYS missing, and this is the only phone I have seen that still has it! 100% MECHANICALLY functional, however, I have not tested it electrically. Handset features some paint chips throughout (common), however there is no corrosion present. The RARE feature is that it still has the original Leather Carrying Case is present with the original Strap! Leather is still quite SOFT, with NO cracking, repairs, or loose stitching noted. No markings are visible on the leather case. A scarce and highly desirable Imperial Japanese Navy Type 2 Mobile Telephone, made especially rare by the presence of its original leather carrying case, which is seldom encountered. A PERFECT item for any collection or display!