Original Items: One-of-a-kind Set. The is a fantastic World War Two United States USGI captured collection of Japanese military items that were brought back at the end of the war. These include boots, uniform pieces, flags, personal items, and other memorabilia. They were shipped back in a lovely "bring home" crate, which actually looks to be a Japanese military issue crate, with a data plate on the front and a label on the interior as well. It still has the original key, though the top of the lock was broken off, and measures approximately 33" x 12" x 9 1/2".

Best of all however are the addresses on the outside, which give the soldiers name and service information:

S/5 N.H. REAMER 42117190
HQ Co. 3rd Bn. 387th Inf.
APO 445 c/o POSTMASTER
SAN FRANCISCO - CALI

There is also the mailing address:

MRS. H.N. REAMER
501 MARY STREET
RICHARDON PARK - 171
DELAWARE
U.S.A.

We have some some cursory research, and this box was sent home by Specialist 5th Class Norman H. Reamer, Army Serial Number 42117190. Per the National Archives, he was born in Pennsylvania during 1925, and moved to Newcastle County Delaware, where he enlisted April 21, 1944 as a private, having recently reached adulthood. From information we found, his father was named Howard N. Reamer, and the box was sent back addressed to his mother.

The service information on the box indicates Reamer was in the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 387th Infantry Regiment, which was part of the 97th Infantry Division during WWII. This unit was assembled later in the war, and made it to France in March 1945. The 97th saw service mostly in Western Germany, and after the end of the War in May 1945, they were sent back to the U.S. in June 1945.

After 30 days of leave, intended to redeploy in the Pacific Theater. However the war in the Pacific theater ended before they arrived, and they were instead deployed to Japan for occupation duty. Arriving at Yokohama on 25 September 1945, the division relieved the 43rd Infantry Division and established its headquarters at Mitsugahara Airfield in Kumagaya. By December the 97th had reached its maximum deployment through six prefectures: Saitama, Gunma, Nagano, Niigata, Fukushima, and Tochigi.

It was during this time that Reamer acquired the items and the chest, which were sent back home. A lot of military items were confiscated to be disposed of, which is 

The Items in this collection consist of:

- One Japanese WWII Lightweight Wool Uniform Tunic, undated. Condition is good with moth damage.

- One Japanese WWII Lightweight Wool Set of Pants / Jodhpurs, bespoke.

- One Japanese WWII Canvas Insulated Jacket, with original markings. These are still present, but we can make out a date of 昭 和 十 七 年, for the 17th Year of the Showa Era, or 1942.

- One Japanese WWII Wool Trousers, with maker markings that are not legible.

- One Japanese WWII Arisaka Type 30 Bayonet with Scabbard and Leather Frog. Maker marked for Toyoda Automatic Loom works. In service worn condition, with wear and oxidation.

- ONE PAIR of Japanese WWII Felt and Leather Winter Boots, which are also fur lined. Both have a date stamp on the leather portion of 昭 十 六, which indicates Showa 16 or 1941. They have unfortunately suffered moth and other insect damage throughout.

- 2x Period Photos of Japanese officers

- Various Japanese Documents, including a bound fabric covered pamphlet, perfect for a translations project.

- One Japanese WWII Leather Pouch, most likely for field gear, with a single leather loop on the back. It does not look to be an ammo pouch. It has been compressed over the years, and the level is quite stiff.

- One Japanese WWII Rubberized Canvas Waist Belt. It is now quite stiff, and the buckle is oxidized.

- One Japanese White Sash with Red Kanji writing on it, measuring 52 inches long, attached together at the ends.

- One Lightly worn Silk Japanese Hinomaru "Meatball" national flag, measuring 28" x 39".

- One Service Worn Cotton or Linen Japanese Hinomaru "Meatball" national flag, measuring 20" x 28".

- One Service Worn Japanese WWII Imperial Japanese Army Shussei Nobori "Off to War" Banner. Made from Rayon and measuring 30" x 8".

- One Large Japanese Canvas Tarp or Tent measuring 75" x  90", with ropes attached to the edges.

A fantastic set, full of research and display potential! Comes ready to display!