Japanese Patriotic Paper Weight

[Fortunes Of War]

Paper weights were once commonly used by people to keep papers and other important items from blowing or falling off the desk.  Like everyone else, the Japanese manufactured these in a variety of forms.  Some were quite nicely made, while others were less costly, mass marketed and cheap.  Many paper weights took the form of common military items and the themes were meant either for those in the military, former military, or simply to inspire patriotism on the home front.  Here is one in the shape of a helmet, resting on pack.  

[Fortunes Of War]

As mentioned, there were all kinds of paper weights in varying sizes and styles.  Here is another that is quite similar to the one previously shown above.  It shows a soldier's backpack with a field cap resting on it.  There is also a blanket roll, mess kit and shovel in the set-up.

 

MikeB

 

 

[Fortunes Of War]

Continuing with the theme: here is another patriotic paper weight.  This example takes the form of a helmet and flag. The helmet has the Japanese Army star on the front, while the flag is decorated with colorful paints.

 

MikeB  

[vintageproductions]

Mike- Those are some great paperweights.

 

I am a bit ashamed to actually show some of the ones we have as they are nowhere's near as cool......

 

First is a pre-war Aircraft radial engine with a compass set in the hub.

 

 

[vintageproductions]

Here is another that is really plain but kind of cool in that it is an officers pre-war cap badge.

[Wake1941]

Very cool paper weights, never saw one before. 

[SARGE]

15 hours ago, vintageproductions said:

Here is another that is really plain but kind of cool in that it is an officers pre-war cap badge.

 

This is actually a Police insignia.  The Army dress cap insignia has eight points where the Police cap insignia has five points in their typical configuration.

 

[Fortunes Of War]

Sarge-

     Good pick-up on that; I hadn't noticed the difference either!

Bob-

     There seemed to be paper weights to go with anyone's interest or budget.  The one you have with the compass is interesting as it has two functions; the compass tells you from what direction the wind is blowing, and the paper weight keeps the documents from blowing away!!!

 

Mike

[Fortunes Of War]

This is a red painted paper weight in the shape of a Japanese Army helmet.  The star and numbers along the rim are painted in gold.  People have been asking me about the cost of these patriotic collectibles. Honestly, the answer is that it depends on the item and how badly the buyer wants it.  Many of these sell for under $50.00, while some of the more elaborate ones can cost $100.00 or more.  

 

Mike

[vintageproductions]

Here is a glazed ceramic aircraft radial engine

[vintageproductions]

One of the China Front KIA / Memorial Cavalry paperweights

[Fortunes Of War]

Wow, Bob!  I really like the one with the aircraft radial engine.  It has interesting detail...

 

 

[Fortunes Of War]

Here is a heavy, nickel plated paper weight of a battleship, riding the waves. The underside is covered in green felt.

 

[vintageproductions]

This is a small glazed ceramic paperweight.

 

It's medical related but have lost the translation.

[vintageproductions]

Here is a small metal bomber and warship related paperweight

[Fortunes Of War]

Bob-

     I really like the paperweight that you posted in #15.  I would say that's my favorite so far.  Are there any kanji characters on that one, top or bottom?  Is the bottom covered in anything? Or Is it bare metal?  

[Fortunes Of War]

This paper weight not only uses a Japanese Army Steel Helmet, but it also incorporates a training rifle (possibly a light machine gun).

[Fortunes Of War]

Going along with the paper weight listed previously is this example that shows an army helmet, propped on top of what looks like an aircraft bomb.  It is similar in size to the above, as well. 

[Fortunes Of War]

This cast metal paperweight shows a Japanese soldier, manning his heavy machine gun.  He is shown wearing his steel helmet, pack and bayonet at his side. The second image shows the semi-hollow nature of the casting.   

[vintageproductions]

Mike- The bottom of the ship and plane is hollow and is numbered.

[vintageproductions]

Your metal helmet and rifle remind me of some of the ceramic chop stick rests we have found.

 

 

[Fortunes Of War]

Bob-

     Thank you for showing the underside of your paperweight.  Interesting that it is numbered.  I agree with you on the chopstick holder; I think this was a popular combination of items within the patriotic theme.  It appeared in a variety of places, including postcards and other forms of art.

[Fortunes Of War]

Here is another paperweight for discussion. This one took the shape of a popular theme: samurai armor/helmets. The helmet or kabuto, sits on top of a fan, covered in cherry blossoms.  

[Fortunes Of War]

Here is paperweight in the shape of a Japanese steel helmet.  It has the IJN insignia on it (anchor and cherry blossom) "navy" rayed battle flag and a ship's life preserver ring.  It's made out of a polished metal.

[Fortunes Of War]

This is a combination paperweight and ink well.  The base of the piece was made into the shape of an aircraft's wings, while the top portion takes the shape of a leather flight helmet with goggles.  You can see the imperial Japanese "national" flag on the left-hand side and the battle flag on the right.  This one is quite detailed and colorful!