This is a rare set of 3 original Japanese Navy sake cups, all inscribed with 海軍機関兵 (Kaigun Kikanhei / Navy Engineer Corps).

On the base, each cup bears the name 佐藤 (Sato), most likely the surname of the soldier to whom they belonged.

The Navy Engineer Corps (機関兵) were highly skilled technical specialists responsible for maintaining and operating the engines and machinery aboard warships. Without their expertise, the Imperial Japanese Navy’s vessels could not sail or fight effectively.

The cups are decorated with:

• Chrysanthemum crest (Imperial symbol)
• Rising Sun naval ensign & anchor flag crossed in gold

Why sake cups?

In the Japanese military tradition, commemorative sake cups were presented to soldiers and sailors upon enlistment, deployment, or discharge. These were not just drinking vessels but personal keepsakes symbolizing pride, duty, and camaraderie. For Navy personnel, such cups are scarcer compared to Army examples, making them especially collectible today.

This set represents not only an individual sailor’s service but also Japan’s broader naval history during the early 20th century.

Own a piece of history.