Tetsu Jingasa are light weight “Military Hats” reserved for samurai and ashigaru. “Kasa” meaning hat and “Jin” meaning military. When the two words are combined, it is said “Jin-gasa“. Tetsu is the word used for iron, but became synonymous with steel as metal forging improved throughout Japan. The Jingasa was a light weight battle hat worn by samurai warriors of all ranks. Most jingasa were made from layers of paper, leather and/or hemp, glued together and then lacquered to hold the shape and waterproof the material. Specif shapes, designs and materials were often reserved for different class of samurai and could also differ depending on the Daimyo’s wealth. This particular Tetsu Jingasa style is a Taisho class “battle hat” most commonly used by the higher ranking samurai, warrior class. Although tetsu is slightly heavier, they offer the most protection.

Iron Mountain Armory crafts this tetsu jingasa from a high quality, light weight, .8 mm laminated steel and features fukurin (brass edge) to offer the most protection, comfort and elegance.  Most military hats are black and feature the samurai family kamon (symbol) or the mon of the Daimyo he serves, painted in gold.  Keeping with this tradition, Iron Mountain Armory will craft your jingasa with the option to add your own custom mon or the mon of your favorite samurai clan, engraved in brass. A brass kanamono resembling a tehen kanamono will be adorned at the top. A kasa jirushi no kan (ring) can be added at the back, to hold the agemaki bow upon request.

Like the Ichimonji Gasa, Ensui Jingasa, Mekure Toppai Gata Jingasa and Gashira Bajo Jingasa the Tetsu Kasa Taisho Jingasa features 4 loops attached to the inside.  The loops support the rope which holds the samurai battle hat to the samurai’s head.  To help hold it in place and add comfort when wearing, a small pad is added at the top of the head.  With these features the Samurai’s military battle hat will fit snugly and can even be used while on horse back, as long as the samurai was not riding with haste. The jingasa could also be used as a shield/weapon while in combat.

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