This is a super rare antique Japanese navy submarine academy commemorative set of tea caddy (chaire) and tea cup saucer (chataku) set. Both items are made with pewter, decorated with a pine tree branch, and on the back of the caddy are the words "Showa 9th Year (1934) November, Congratulations on Term Fulfillment, Gift to Mr. Nakata". "Members of Navy Submarine Academy 1st Squad". The five saucers are identical in design and the words on the back of each of them are "Gift to Mr. Nakata for Term Fulfillment" "Members of the 1st squad of the Naval Submarine Academy, Showa 9th Year November". The name of the maker of the saucer/caddy, Hakusuido, is inscribed in the middle of both. The set comes with original wooden box and the yellow wrapping cloths. The box is made so that there are two compartments, one for the caddy and one for the saucers.

Submarine related items are extremely rare - I have only ever personally encountered one cup before, a named submarine lacquer cup, and a couple others only in pictures. The naval submarine academy was based in Kure at the time before its move to near Hiroshima in 1942. 

Given the very nice box and the beauty of the set I'm quite reluctant to break it up. If you have interest but only want a part of this set, please contact me. I'll gauge the interest level in this set and see what to do with it.

Condition: Excellent - there are a couple black spots on the caddy and a few small dents at the base ring, and some light wear on the saucers. The set was probably lightly used.

Size: 4" across for the saucers. 3.75" across x 4" tall for the caddy.