WW2 Japanese Tropical Cap Havelock Sun Shade with Metal Hooks Used

We have seen very, very, few havelocks for sale in the past 50 years. We are therefore pleased to offer this original WW2 Japanese neck shade.

This one, which measures  12 1/4 inches across, has variant steel hooks to hold the sunshade to the cap.  Some depot made versions had flat, semi-circular, stamped brass clips.

By desigh, there are provisions for the cap’s rear tape to pass through the center, rear, of this havelock.

Because there were not always sufficient supplies of military issue havelocks, soldiers and sailors heading to the Pacific War, Southern China or South-East Asia, could purchase this quite necessary item from local private vendors.

Because they require only rudimentary skill to make, these private purchase havelocks were cottage indusrtry items.

As such, there were many variations in cut, color, materials and sewing skill.

These were sold on all major bases or in many nearby supply houses for what would have been pennies.  In addition, these would also have been made by family members if time was available to do so before shipping out.

This particular one shows fading and wear as shown.

No Pacific War collection is complete without one!

Again, this is a private purchase item, so no military stamps appear.