Rare! Original Imperial Japanese WWII Type 100 Paratrooper Ammunition Bandolier
Designed specifically for Japan's elite airborne forces, this is an original Imperial Japanese Army Type 100 Paratrooper Ammunition Bandolier. Unlike the standard infantry cartridge pouches worn on a waist belt, this was designed to distribute the weight of ammunition across the shoulders and chest while allowing the paratrooper unrestricted movement during airborne operations. The integrated leather bayonet frog allowed the Type 100 Paratrooper bayonet to be carried as part of the complete fighting load. Japanese Army paratrooper equipment was produced in relatively limited numbers, and complete surviving examples are difficult to find.
The bandolier features a heavy khaki canvas body with leather reinforcement throughout, the individual ammunition pouches with leather flap reinforcements and snaps, an original adjustable shoulder harness (which are most of the time removed) with blackened steel hardware, leather waist belt, and integral leather bayonet frog. All major components appear to be original and functioning. The leather is slightly aged, but still supple. Faint ink arsenal or inspection markings are still visible on the reverse near the end of the bandolier, although they have faded beyond legibility.
Based on our research and consultation with collectors, the marking appear to resemble a production marking associated with 1943 manufacture, although this cannot be stated with absolute certainty.
Japanese Army paratrooper equipment was produced in relatively very limited numbers, and complete surviving examples are difficult to find. Overall, this is an excellent, complete original Japanese WWII Type 100 Paratrooper Ammunition Bandolier that would make a superb addition to any advanced Imperial Japanese or WWII airborne collection.
