Description:

East Asia, Japan, World War II era, ca. 1930s to 1940s CE. Wooden storage case with lacquered wooden boxes that contain Japanese military paraphernalia and a pewter canister etched by a US soldier. Included are felt star insignia officer rank patches, a matchbox with matches, an ink stick, officers nickel-brass medal, brass monocular, and two paper envelopes that contain the remains of Japanese army issued condoms. The can is possibly an oil canister, etched in English probably by an American soldier with "Okinawa" on one side, "Taken by 77th-773 / Tokashiki / Shima / Z7-3-45" with a simple landscape on the end panel, and "Ie Shima" (Iejima) and a USA flag planted in a hill on the final side. American forces landed on Tokashiki Island on March 27, 1945, as an early part of the Battle of Okinawa, and the 77th Infantry Division landed on Iejima in April 1945. Size of wood case: 9.5" L x 6" W x 7.25" H (24.1 cm x 15.2 cm x 18.4 cm); canister: 4.75" L x 3.45" W x 3.25" H (12.1 cm x 8.8 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#181203

  • Condition: Abrasions and chips to wood case. Chipping to lacquered boxes inside. Pewter canister has heavy wear and patina to exterior, but etched script is discernable. Condoms are dry and heavily flaking, nearly to the point of total loss. Age related use and wear to all other pieces.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 22, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000