Interesting Navy Submarine Badge with Japanese Characters

[Dave]

This popped up on eBay as a BIN and sold about as quickly (not to me, sadly). It's really quite interesting. Has anyone seen anything like this before? I sure haven't!

 

[Josh B.]

No, I’ve never seen that one.  Looks like a unique die too.  I’d love to know what the characters translated are.  I’d have purchased it too.  I’m guessing it’s probably just post war  if the characters are Japanese (unless the characters are actually Chinese instead).

[Woodymyster]

They appear to be Japanese hallmarks for silver, atleast the second character is.  But someone else is going to have to confirm that.

[YNCM Doug]

According to my wife it means nickel silver.

[Josh B.]

Great insight, thanks!

[Tim B]

Old topic here but read it today as log-in requirements changed.

 

Dave,

Might be "possible" that these were a private purchase, perhaps from the NEX in Yokosuka.  There are always jewelry vendors in store that offer some uniform type products that are a bit higher end for those that want something a bit better quality or personal in nature.  Think Jostens (military style rings), but I've also seen warfare badges offered in sterling silver or 14k gold plate at the Pearl Harbor NEX many years ago.

 

Tim

[Salvage Sailor]

Aye, the vendors were in Building A-33, the old NEX at Yokosuka Naval Station, Japan