Imperial Military Reservist Association Badges marked with "本 inside the oval"/帝国在郷軍人会章本部製

The lion's share (if not all) of badges made after 1936 have this mark.

"本 inside the oval".

But what 本 stands for?

Original wooden case for the membership badge which will help answer this question.

本部製 - Made by Headquarters

So 本 stands for 本部 - Headquarters of Military Reservist Association.

 

Membership badge with mark 本 placed under the screw.

 

Later cardboard case for membership badge from the "Headquarters".

本徽章會員以外者之 佩用シ若一般二類似 章ヲ佩用スルトキハ罰セ - Any person who is not a member of this association will be penalized if he or she wears a similar badge in public.

昭和十一年九月二十五日 - September 25, 1936

帝國在鄉軍人會本部 - Imperial Military Reservists Association Headquarters

 

"Oval" official's reservist association badges marked with 本.