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DescriptionThis is a rare metal cigarette case made around 1938 to commemorate the guard duty of the Imperial Japanese Navy Special Naval Landing Force in Hankow, China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War.The interior is clearly inscribed:“Hankow Naval Special Landing Force Guard Commemoration”The front of the case features a detailed raised design showing an armed Japanese naval landing force soldier beside a map of central China.The map depicts major locations along the Yangtze River region, including the areas of Hankow, Wuchang, Jiujiang, Anqing, and the route toward Nanjing, reflecting the military operations and advance of Japanese forces through central China.In 1938, Japanese forces advanced westward along the Yangtze River, capturing key positions including Anqing and Jiujiang before entering the Wuhan area in October. Imperial Japanese Navy Special Naval Landing Force units also took part in combat, occupation, and security duties in this region.The inscription on this case specifically referring to guard duty in Hankow gives the piece unusually strong historical context.One side of the case bears the Imperial Japanese Navy anchor emblem, further confirming its naval association.Another important feature is the original fitted presentation box. Inside the box is a metal label marked Mitsukoshi, one of Japan’s most prestigious department stores before and during the war.Mitsukoshi supplied and sold a wide variety of high-quality commemorative and presentation items during the prewar period. The presence of the Mitsukoshi label distinguishes this piece from an ordinary privately made battlefield souvenir.The Special Naval Landing Forces were Imperial Japanese Navy ground combat units used for amphibious operations, urban combat, occupation duties, and the protection of ports and strategic facilities. They were active in many areas of China, particularly around Shanghai and along the Yangtze River.This piece therefore combines several highly collectible historical elements:* Imperial Japanese Navy Special Naval Landing Force
* Hankow / Wuhan operations
* Yangtze River campaign map
* Naval anchor emblem
* Mitsukoshi maker / retailer label
* Original presentation boxThis is not simply an antique cigarette case, but a historically significant Japanese naval commemorative item directly connected with the Imperial Japanese Navy’s operations in central China.There is age-related oxidation, spotting, discoloration, surface wear, and other signs of use. There is also a repaired area on the plate. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.Original fitted box included.A very distinctive historical item for collectors of Imperial Japanese Navy militaria, Special Naval Landing Force items, Second Sino-Japanese War material, and prewar Japanese military commemorative objects.Shipping
FedEx or Japan Post
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