Original WWII Imperial Japanese Army Brass Bugle with Red Cord by Shimokura Musical Instruments - Excellent

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine Japanese Military Bugle from the WWII period. You can identify it as such by the style of the bugle, the clamp that secures the tuningslide/lead pipe into the instrument, and the oval bulge at the end of the leadpipe, which the mouthpiece screws into. It still features a period red cord, which is in great condition. The bugle is truly the best we have ever seen, with virtually no loss to the cord material. This example is marked on the side for manufacture by Shimokura Musical Instruments, which was founded in 1937.

The bugle features all brass construction, with a two piece brazed bell with a Y-seam on the right side, and no bell garland. The mouthpiece appears to be solid nickel silver, as opposed to brass with a bakelite cup as often seen. The wing nut that tightens around the lead pipe for pitch adjustment is intact, something we rarely see. The mouthpiece still goes in and out without issue. Also, the chain that secures the mouthpieces to the hanger ring is present and in good shape.

Wrapped around the top of the bugle is a very nice red cord, which is tied to the two hanger rings, with a red tassel on each end. This is the correct style and color for the Imperial Japanese Army. It's very rare to find these with an original tassel, and this is only the second time we have seen one.

A very rare piece from the Empire of the Rising Sun.

The branch of the military would normally be identified by a sash with tassels attached to the bugle by the two large inner rings, red for Army as an example. Further identifying this as a WWII period piece, as opposed to modern day, is the lack of a condensation valve on the front edge.

Approximate dimensions are 12" x 5" x 4.5"