Japan, Self-Defence Forces. A Ground Self-Defence Force Uniform

A Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force Uniform consisting of tunic and trousers. The tunic is constructed of green wool twill fabric with a linen interior lining. The breasts of the tunic close by five reinforced button holes meeting an equal number of non-magnetic bronze buttons engraved with the image of chrysanthemums. The front exterior contains four pockets. The hip pockets open with diagonal slits and reinforced pocket flaps. The interior of the left hip pocket is stamped with number “526.” The breast pockets each feature a reinforced buttonhole and bronze button. The collar, constructed of the same twill fabric, has a metal hook on the inside right and a metal loop on the left, allowing the collar to sit flush with the neck. A loop constructed of the same lining material is sewn into the back of the collar to allow for hanging the tunic when not worn. The collar is flanked by lapel pins each composed of a bronzed chrysanthemum with a blue-enamelled centre over a silvered circle, measuring approximately 22 mm. The right upper arm bears a sleeve insignia constructed of two gilded aluminum bullion wire chevrons below a single gilded pip, indicating the rank of Private First Class, sewn on to a black wool patch, measuring approximately 75 mm (w) x 70 mm (h). A dark-brown cotton-blend belt wraps around the tunic to meet a gilded bronze belt buckle featuring a sunburst and chrysanthemum, measuring approximately 60 mm. The interior of the tunic includes a pocket on the left, below a manufacturer’s label in Japanese writing. On each side of the tunic are vertical slits measuring 180 mm, reinforced and machine embroidered. The tunic measures approximately 400 mm at the shoulders, 490 mm in the arms, with an overall length of 700 mm.

The matching trousers are constructed of black wool twill fabric and lined around the waistband with a cotton-blend fabric. A button-up fly with three reinforced buttonholes meeting one bakelite button (two buttons missing) sits below a metal hook meeting a metal loop. Japanese writing is embroidered in purple thread above the metal hook possibly indicating maker or owner of the trousers. There are diagonal-slit pockets on each side of the front of the trousers. Three, cotton-blend fabric belt loops are stitched around the waistband and hold a thin, woven belt. The pants measure approximately 400 mm at the waist and 900 mm in length.

The tunic and trousers have signs of wear (for example, missing two buttons on the trousers) and are in overall very fine condition.