WWII Imperial Japanese Naval Officer’s Dirk

Samurai Bajo Jingasa (Riding Battle Hat) were worn mainly by officers a the end of the Sengoku period (1467-1615) and through the Edo period (1603-1868) and a little after.  Traditionally a defensive helmet, they were allegedly first crafted from wood, leather, lacquered rawhide, then iron and later steel.  The combination of these elements provided a good head protection against sword blows.  The bajo-gasa jingasa are shaped like low round hills, believed to decrease wind resistance while on horseback.  The inside was padded with a cushion liner secured by ribbons that would be tied and secured under the chin. The Jingasa were traditionally lacquered in black and would typically bear the mon (crest) of their clan or that of their unit, allowing forces to be easily identified in the battlefield and from afar.  These mon were often painted in gold color like in this bajogasa for sale. The Samurai bajo-jingasa here is in excellent condition showing the mon (crest) of the Maru Ni Tsuru Gashiwa. It is probably from the late Edo period (mid 19th century).   Dimensions: about 36 cm x 34 cm (14.17 x 13.38 inches)