Japanese Navy Type 90 1st Pattern Helmet Cover

For sale is an excellent-condition WWII Imperial Japanese Navy Type 90 Helmet Cover, 1st Pattern, in the desirable large size.
The original label confirms issue from the Sasebo Naval Arsenal, one of the key production centers for naval equipment during the war.
Collectors classify this as the 1st Pattern cover, identifiable by its distinctive two‑piece wool anchor sewn onto a wool oval—a feature unique to the earliest Navy Type 90 models. The cover remains in strong condition overall, with only minor fraying on the front left edge, exactly where natural contact occurs against the straight‑rimmed helmet.
On the rear panel are two hand‑applied kanji characters, almost certainly the sailor’s name, adding a personal touch and a traceable element of provenance.
Authentic IJN 1st Pattern covers are notoriously difficult to find, as most circulate privately among established collectors and seldom appear on the open market. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, arsenal‑marked example with all the correct early features. Helmet not included.