Rare Antique Japanese Military 1935 Official Naval Skills Award Commemorative Kabuto
This is a rare antique Japanese navy skills competition award kabuto. These competitions were held once a year, and for each ship or each squadron there would be individual winners declared. Early on they gave out cash gift, but the navy noticed that the sailors were blowing the cash on random things, so they switched to gifts instead. Some years were cups. Other years were other types of awards - these kabuto were one type. I've also seen dishes and other memorabilia. It's rare to find a kabuto in good condition like this with the tassels intact. Usually the tassels are missing or the front metal part is broken. The kabuto itself is made of brass, I believe, and the words "Navy Test Award" "Showa 10th Year".
Condition: Excellent - there's a little bit of bending of the darker metal antenna part. Otherwise it's in great condition.
Size: It's about 5.5" wide and 6.5" tall. Please note that due to its all-metal construction shipping for this item is higher than normal.