Antique & Militaria

**Original**WW2 Japanese Soldier’s Silk 'Yosegaki Hinomaru' (Or Good Luck) Back Pack Battle Flag With Hand Painted Kanji Signatures & Slogans. Sn 23803:2 - 23803:2

This is an original WW2 Japanese 'yosegaki hinomaru' or good luck Battle Flag. This size of flag 38 ½” x 27” were carried in Soldiers back packs and tied to their rifles when attacking enemy positions. These flags were signed by family members, friends & Colleagues of Japanese Soldiers and presented to them before leaving for war. It is made of white silk and has a central vivid red painted roundel with Japanese kanji signatures & slogans either side. Some of the kanji are illegible, but we have been able to roughly translate some in image 2 as follows: "May the fortunes of the nation endure forever" or "Long-lasting national prosperity." This was a very common patriotic slogan on wartime good-luck flags. "May your military fortunes be long-lasting" or "Wishing you continued good luck in battle." This is the most common phrase found on soldiers' good-luck flags. Several of the other columns appear to be: Names of friends, family members, or colleagues, short encouragements wishing success and safe return & Personal signatures. The flag has some small old stable, cured moth holes but no tears. 2 corners of the flag have their original stitched leather tabs with original hanging cords. The price for this excellent WW2 Japanese flag with profuse names and good luck slogans includes UK delivery. Sn 23803:2

£295.00