The M1932 helmet was the standard helmet of the Japanese military during World War II and its pre-war invasions of Asia. The helmet was designed and put into service in 1931-32 for the Imperial Japanese Army. The design resembled a steel pot with a helmet liner and strap. It saw all the actions of the Japanese during the Second World War.
The Type 92 Helmet (also known as “Tetsukabuto” or “Steel Helmet“) was designed and issued in 1932. It became the principal issue to the standard Imperial Japanese soldier.
Made of a single piece of corrugated steel, it had a continuous brim crimp extending around the perimeter. It fit low on the head and provided adequate protection.
Type 92 helmets also featured a raised metal star attached to the front which was the symbol for The Imperial Army. Helmets were normally painted a dark green and featured a cloth cover. Made of Bulan cloth, the cover was traditionally khaki or tan. Placed over the exterior of the helmet, it was held in place with a single fitted strap.
The Japanese did not have a helmet camouflage system for their soldiers. Soldiers would improvise by cutting slits into the liner to accommodate small, leaved branches when needed.
The lettering on the helmet translate to a Japanese last name MASAKI.