Original U.S. WWII Send-Home Box with Japanese Good Luck Flag & Seashell Collection from Corporal George D. Hanaway, 29th General Hospital - Page of Flag Translations

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous send-home box sent by Corporal George D. Hanaway, 29th General Hospital, to his wife, Dorothy Hanaway of Miamitown, Ohio. The box retains its original label extremely well, and the box contains a gorgeous captured Japanese Good Luck Flag with a page of partial translations! The box also contains a fascinating collection of over 100 seashells Hanaway collected while overseas. The lid notes that there was originally also a grass skirt included, but it likely fell apart decades ago. The crate with the lid measures 10½ x 12 x 9¾”. The lid is still attached by a single nail but can be removed and reinserted.

The 28 x 31” good luck flag is a great example, with the names of dozens of Japanese friends and family of the departing soldier. There are also some well wishes, with the largest at the top reading Prayers for Eternal Good Fortune in Battle. The flag retains both of its original corner reinforcements, which are leather and retain their tie strings. The flag is in heavily flown and worn condition with heavy creasing. This example was a battlefield pickup.

Some of the well wishes include Prayers for good health, Courage in service to the nation, Health and Victory, Honor and Glory, Multiple Battles, Multiple Victories, May the Emperor’s Forces always be victorious, and Prayers for good health, and that you return home safely in victory. There is also a name, Kyohei, the first name of the soldier, and Mother, Wei, his mother’s signature! Rare to see!

The flag is made of what appears to be rayon cloth, an early form of synthetic cloth made from wood, with the red "sun" dyed piece sewn into the middle. The flag is in fair but rough condition and is the real deal. The writing is still mostly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table. These are getting harder and harder to find in any condition.

The rest of the contents of the box include a phenomenal collection of seashells. There are shells of all shapes and sizes, sand dollars and clam shells, and even a few pieces of coral, a small seashell bracelet, and an adorable “turtle” made from seashells. There are probably over 100, but some are obviously partially broken from being all together like this for so long.

This is a tremendous send-home crate, complete with the lid and most of its contents! Comes ready for further research and display.