Very Salty Cap, Need Help W/translation

[Otter42]

Got this today at ASMIC in Portland.  Love the wear on this one, what character! Would someone please translate as much as you can? I know some if the characters are missing due to wear. Thanks

[St.Lukas]

This isn’t a standard field cap. Looks field improvised or homemade. Perhaps translation will give more information 

[Otter42]

Here's some better pics. Not sure if home made, I think it just really worn. Looks like blood stains on the top as well. Thanks for your input. Ken 

[St.Lukas]

Nothing has changed regarding my opinion. The cap is extremely crude, lacking an insignia or any signs it ever had one , no interior stamps or label plus no chinstrap. All pointing to non standard perhaps civilian 

[Joe]

The writing is in katakana, used for foreign words or names. 

 

Its a little hard to make sense of (could be a transliteration or transcription of anything) but I think it’s a Filipino name, read left to right

 

a-shi-n-to

de-ra-ku-ru-su

 

Jacinto? De la Cruz 

[Otter42]

Very interesting, thanks so much for your help with the translation.  Now it's really a mystery.  Why would a Filipino make a hat to look like a Japanese cap? And I agree after looking at it more St. Lukas it looks more homemade. No vent holes, no holes for the lacing in the back also. It's very small, maybe a child's cap? Thanks again for all the help and advice.  Ken 

[St.Lukas]

There were Filipinos working for the Japanese. There also were small in country factories producing items for Japanese military.  

[Otter42]

Jareth,

That would make sense, due to the same style as a Japanese field cap.  Thanks so much for your input. Ken 

[RAB]

I had my eye on that cap for most of the show but didnt snag it. Nice find.

[Otter42]

Thanks, it's definitely has that been there done that look.