This Quality IJN Captain's Bicorn Hat Has Been Sold. Thank you! IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY FULL DRESS COCKED HAT  & TIN CASE Ca 1895   Presented is a cocked hat and its tin carrying case of a Japanese naval officer of high rank. The cover is also known as a fore and aft or bicorn hat . Based on the number of gold and silver bullion strands on its left side we conclude it is from an officer with the rank of Taisa or a naval captain. As a point of interest, the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) and the Imperial Navy (IJN) have the same rank titles. For example, the Japanese word Taisho in the army is for a general officer and in the Navy means an admiral. In this instance, the word Taisa is for a Navy captain or an Army colonel. This hat is made of Beaver felt bound with gold bullion accouterments that are mounted above a large black cockade of embroidery. On each end is a gold tassel. The hat has a ribbed silk band of black embroidery along its upper edge and three coils of bullion. The outer loop is gold, then silver and the inner loop is twisted gold which is finished by a domed gilt brass Mum button with anchor at the bottom. The interior of the hat features a tan hat band and red liner. Considering its age, it is in excellent condition.                  The Cocked Hat             Tin carrying case THE COCKED HAT: These types of hats date back to the 1700's and were used by all branches of the world military forces. They were worn by officers when in full dress uniforms commonly refereed to as a "fore and aft" hat or bicorn. During the 1700's the hat was worn parallel to the shoulders, but in the 1800's was modified to be worn with the points to the front and back. Wearing of the Cocked Hat was discontinued on 12 October 1940 in the U.S. Navy which would have been about the time other navies discontinued their use.    DATE OF MAKE: We have seen numerous examples of this style Japanese cover that were housed in a rectangular carrying case with recognizable hardware that date from 1914 to the 1939. This is the only Japanese one we've seen with a tin carrying case though there are many examples of this type case being used by other countries which date well before the Turn of the 20th Century. Hence, we conservatively estimate this example to be Ca 1895 or around the time of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95 or even the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05.                                   The tin carrying case   COCKED HAT Dimensions: 15 1/4" L x  5 1/2" W x 6 1/2" H    Estimated size 7 1/2“   CONDITION: There is a small crush on the left forward edge which may be due to how the owner handled the hat on putting it on and taking it off. The edge of the black band is worn from chafe. THE CASE: The tin case has some dents and paint loss. The catch for the latch is broken off, but the case is still serviceable. There is an unnamed brass tag on the front. Size: 19" L x 7 1/2" W x 8 1/4" H This relic is of exceptional quality and rarity and belongs in a collection of Naval artifacts                                  Inside of tin case             Captain's vs Lower ranking officer's cover and later style case This interesting relic of th pre WW II Imperial Japanese Navy is a perfect gift, presentation piece or for a collection of militaria OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.   International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. FLAT RATE SHIPPING & INSURANCE to the 48 contiguous States $20.00 ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on big ticket items. Copyright 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved