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Description
1921 Imperial Japanese Navy Training Manual
Engineering & Gunnery Textbook
With Yokohama and Yokosuka Naval Training Provenance
Original 1921 (Taisho 10) Imperial Japanese Navy educational manual.
Title:
“Naval 4th Class Engine Rating – Operations & Gunnery Textbook”
Compiled and issued by the Imperial Japanese Navy Education Headquarters.
This manual was prepared for training enlisted engineering personnel within the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Taisho era.
Historical Context
Published in 1921, during the modernization phase of the Imperial Japanese Navy between the Russo-Japanese War and WWII.
The book covers:
• Ship structure fundamentals
• Engineering duties
• Naval operations
• Basic gunnery instruction
• Mechanical systems
It represents the formalized technical education system of early 20th century Japanese naval forces.
Provenance – Handwritten Ownership Inscriptions
Inside the book, handwritten ink inscriptions and personal seals indicate previous ownership by naval personnel:
“Yokohama Naval Corps – Maizuru Training Division
32nd Squad, 10th Instruction Class
Engineer Rating
Nagase Mikio (seal)”
“Yokosuka Naval Corps – 5th Barracks
Engineering Section – 32nd Squad
2nd Instruction Class
No. 2897
Takahagi Saburo (seal)”
These detailed unit and training designations strongly suggest that this manual was actively used within official naval training institutions.
The presence of multiple names indicates possible transfer between trainees or instructors.
This elevates the book beyond a simple printed manual — it is a documented primary source with traceable educational affiliation.
Why It Is Rare
• Taisho-era naval technical manual (pre-WWII)
• Issued by Navy Education Headquarters
• Detailed unit-level inscriptions (squad, class, barracks)
• Two named naval personnel with seals
• Direct connection to Yokohama and Yokosuka naval training centers
Most surviving manuals lack identifiable ownership.
This example preserves specific training unit history.
Bibliographic Details
• Published 1921 (Taisho 10)
• 122 pages
• Issued by Imperial Japanese Navy Education Headquarters
Condition
Age-related wear, toning, and handling marks.
Handwritten inscriptions and seals present.
Please review photographs carefully.
This piece represents:
• Japanese naval technical education history
• Pre-WWII military modernization
• Personal service documentation
• Primary source material
Shipping
Fedex or Japan post
International Buyers - Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
Thank you for your understanding.
