Description:

JAPANESE KAMIKAZE PILOT'S SUICIDE KNIFE AND PILOT'S HEADBAND
An incredible find, an "aikuchi", or dagger without a guard, intended for use by a Japanese kamikaze pilot to kill himself moments before striking an enemy vessel or other target. The fine 7 1/2" grooved steel blade remains razor sharp. It meets the grip at a brass band bearing Japanese characters reading: "Must Win". With the stained rosewood handle and bone collar, the knife measures 11 3/4" long. The handle bears a steel rivet which passes through the tang. What distinguishes this knife from a boot knife is the small hole with grommet at the hilt top through which passes a lanyard which would allow the knife to hang from the pilot's wrist. The matching rosewood sheath with bone collar is also present and fits perfectly. Daggers of this exact type are described in the Richard Fuller and Ron Gregory reference work "Military Swords of Japan 1868-1945" (New York: Sterling Pub. Co.), 1993, paperback edition pp. 74-75 "Kamikaze Dirks". Also included is a period cotton headband worn by Japanese military pilots (and kamikaze pilots), folded to 30 1/2" x 4". The blue lettering on the front indicates that the headband was given to a pilot. Lettering on the verso states that the headband was: "Presented by the Minister of Air Defense...". Two very rare relics, From the collection of a preeminent collector/dealer.

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July 31, 2018 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000