Posted 14 years ago
erikblair
(2 items)
In WWII my Grandfather was in the Pacific and in 1944 he cut this small 3 inch by 1.5 inch piece from the Rising Sun emblem of a wrecked Japanese Zero. My Grandfather was a Commodore in the Navy and he was in the Phillipines and was brought to the site of the downed airplane in July of 1944. The back is metallic color, and the metal is thin, but strong.
I wonder if there are a few of these out there, what they're worth and any more information you might know about the subject?
I have a smaller similar piece of blue colored metal with a scratched inscription from Iwo Jima. It came from a WWII veteran's estate along with Japanese bullets. The metal looks like reinforced aluminum, as does yours.
Erik, check out the piece I have on my show and tell. I never saw another until now.
Mike
This was a typical souvenir item.
I'd document what you know about the item along with information on your grandfather. If possible, I'd have your grandfather sign a statement about the item.
These are popular collectables. Documentation/ provenance will add to the value.
They usually bring in the $100- $300 range depending on size and the documentation.
I have a piece of a zero along with a photo album that has a WW2 photograph of the soldier with the exact same piece of the zero.
Scott