Midget Submarine Metal Relic Souvenir (Japan)

Small L-shaped piece of ferrous metal from one of the midget submarines that was sunk in Sydney Harbour Sunday May 31st 1942. The metal has a hole drilled through it at its widest end, and Japanese characters stamped into it. Metal is copper and probably part of one of the battery conections. Tied through the hole is a manilla certificate of authenticity which has been torn in half. Printed in blue, the text reads: 'A Guaranteed Souvenir from the Japanese Midget Submarine Sunk in Sydney Harbour, Sunday, May 31st, 1942. Proceeds to R.A.N. Relief Fund and King George's Fund For Sailors. July 30, 1942.'

Following the salvage of the two Japanese midget submarines from Sydney Harbour after the attack of 31 May 1942, many internal components were cut into souvenir sized objects and sold to raise funds for the RAN Relief Fund and King George's Fund for Sailors.