Brian Wolfe

Hi Jktu,

I am not sure if I will be able to use the dictionary or not but I would like to be able to translate more on my own.

I've started to save writen Japanese phrases and their English translations on my computer but this is a slow process.

We have a world-class university very close by (University of Waterloo) and I have been thinking of seeing if I could hire a student to assist me with the translations on the cups and other items from Japan as well.

The link you provided will not open up on my computer so I'll try it on my lap top later today, this sometimes works on sites that won't open on my computer.

Thanks again.

Regards

Brian

Thank you very much fellows for you assistance.

I've ordered a Japanese-English dictionary of military terms but it was written in 1902 so I'm not sure it will help with much after that date; but it is a another step toward educating myself.

Regards

Brian

Hello bistrot,

Welcome to the forum and thank you very much for such an interesting addition to this post.

Regards

Brian

That's the first time I've seen any letters associated in this manner along with the regimental number.

To paraphrase Ed Haynes, "Anything can happen and In India at least twice".

I hope others, like myself, will keep digging for the answer. Steak and beer at my place for whoever comes up with the answer first.

Regards

Brian

Help with Sake Cup Translation

I have purchased another sake cup from a dealer who could not or would not provide a translation. I usually purchase from the same three or four dealers, all from Japan, but once in a while I do stray off the “path” and need assistance with the translations.

This blue porcelain cup has a raised army helmet in the bottom along with cherry blossoms and a katana (military sword) painted around the helmet.

Reading the Kanji (right to left) the last two kanji represents “Commemorative” but the first two have me completely puzzled. I hope someone can assist me with the translation.

Regards

Brian

Hi mickey,

That is one of the most unique cups I've seen. Obviously, from the poem and army star it is military and I would think that would make it quite scarse. Of course if it was hand made then it could very well be one of a kind.

I would like to start a thread just for sake cups and bottles and unless someone starts one first I'll get to it shortly.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful sake cup with us.

Regards

Brian

Hi Rich,

Well, that's a good one on me. In retrospect I suppose I sould have known that was the national flag.

I'm not angry with the dealer as I did make the purchase for the cup's base. Still the dealer should indeed be more careful and I should stay with dealers I know and trust. Lesson learned.

I have Dan King's book and the style of kanji is different in his examples for Discharge Commemorative; I have so much to learn.

Many, many thanks for your assistance, Rich.

Regards

Brian

Japanese Photographic Division?

I purchased a couple of sake cups from a local dealer a few weeks ago and the one he had claimed to be a Taiwan Occupation Commemorative, however, further research found that the kanji clearly stated it to be a China Incident Commemorative with no indication or suggestion that it had anything to do with Taiwan. No problems as I was happy with that purchase as I purchased it for the five artillery shell base (it is a helmet shaped cup).

The cup I have questions about is a nice kabuto sakazuki (helmet shaped cup) with a five cherry blossom petals base. This, the dealer claimed was from the Japanese Photographic Regiment or Division. I have exhausted my limited resources as far as research and now turn to you for assistance. As I stated it is a five cherry blossom pedals base and the kanji on either side of the cherry blossom pedals stands for “patriotism”

On the back of the helmet is a shape that appears to be a camera. It is hard to show it in the photos, but it certainly looks to be a camera to my eye. Above the “camera” are two kanji which I have tried to show in the photos. I took one photo of the cup upside down and turned it around with Photo Shop to try to show this as best as I could.

I have taken photos of the two groups of two kanji on the inside as well.

I do hope you can shed some light on this mystery and your assistance is, as always, appreciated.

Regards

Brian

Hi Larry,

Once again you make a very good point.

Those of us interested in collecting the medals of Independent India know every well the poor state of some stampings.

We even see letters stamped the worng way around producing a backwards "E", for example.

Regards

Brian

For those who are wondering what Tony's ARP markings stand for it's Air Raid Precautions [services].

Regards

Brian

I have an example with the leather strap dated 1943 along with the broad arrow mark.

If yours has the broad arrow then it would be military and most likely army, no broad arrow would indicate probable police issue.

Regards

Brian

Hi Caz,

I can't seem to locate my notes (renovations) on INdia regimental abbrevations at the moment.

The only one I can recall of the three you are asking after is G.S. which stands for General Service. I do have some medals marked G.S. but once again due to renovations and the need to store furniture in the study I can't locate them.

Perhaps Larry can shed some light on your question.

Regards

Brian

Hi Larry,

An interesting link, thanks for sharing it with us.

I hope they rase the plane sometime soon.

Regards

Brian

Hi Michael,

I would think you are correct about the increase in the interest in their own country's history; that and the increased affluancy of some sections of the population.

The other factor, in my opinion, is that there is a finite number of medals with an infinite number of collectors. It's the "American Buffalo" scenerio all over again. Collectors thought that there would always be an abundance of Indian Medals so this area went unnoticed for years (lucky for me), now more collectors are taking a second look and starting to collect.

Regards

Brian

Hi Paul,

Look for Medals and Decorations of Independant India co-authored by Ed Haynes. It should be avasilable through an eBay seller.

I would have to say the top book on the subject.

Regards

Brian

Hi Jerry,

Excellent collection, thanks for sharing it with us.

Do keep us posted with future additions, as I'm sure there is more in your future.

Regards

Brian

Grrrr. You always bring up that one paved street,

Ok, samrt guy, we are about to build an addition to the buggy works and are installing those computing machines with the latest DOS package. Top that!

Regards

Brian

I believe the Navy pattern has a neck chain rather than the single chain and hook arrangement of the police and army versions.

The one from my collection (photo below) also has a much more robust attachment ring on the whistle and in this example the broad arrow is on the body of the whistle.

Regards

Brian

Excellent collection Caz, thanks for sharing them with us.

It is my opinion based on observation that the medals of Independant India are getting harder to find. It was not that long ago that is seemed that the market was flooded with them but now that "flood" seems to have subsided. A friend of mine, and fellow GMIC member, living India, has told me that these medals are no longer available in the street markets as they once were.

Regards

Brian

Peter,

How many times must we go over this? The ranking of importance is not linked to alphabetical order!

Also, on most newly printed maps at least WE don’t have to “pencil in” the name of our little town.

Regards

Brian

Hello Michael,

Welcome to the forum, good to see another Canuck on board.

I would have had to agree with your comment back in the 1970s but I do believe that today the respect and reverence for those who served and are serving today has returned somewhat.

Of course that's what makes this a great country, being able to have two points of view without throwing bricks at on another.

Regards

Brian

A very interesting post, Chris.

Thanks for posting these.

Regards

Brian

Hello Caz,

You have the Marusthal clasp which means "Desert". It was instituted in 1984 for service of one year in a desert area or for aircrew for 10 sorties or forty hours of flying time over specified areas in western Rajasthan and western Haryana desert. [information from "Medals and Decorations of Independent India" by Edward S. Haynes and Rana T.S. Chhina].

Welcome to the interesting topic of Independent India's Medals and Decorations, it's good to see others with similar interests beginning their journey.

Regards

Brian

As a fellow who will attempt just about any type of retoration, I'd leave this one as it is. The damage and condition tells a story all by themselves.

Regards

Brian

A hundred Euros sounds like a good enough price to me, even considering the damage. It would be a good dela more here in Canada.

For those who might not know what the LP42 looks like...

Regards

Brian