This is an antique Japanese navy sake cup, made with pure silver and decorated with the naval insignia on the front. The cup is what they call "Western style" cup with a stem, rather than the usual Japanese style cups. The words on the base of the cup are "Showa 4th Year Navy Test Award". These cups (and other items) were given out to sailors who performed exceptionally every year for annual tests of their skills. There were different categories, and I believe only a couple were given out per ship. At first these were given as cash prizes - but they discovered that the sailors blew the money immediately (who knew?) so they started giving out awards instead - first silver cups, then later other items like another helmet shape award I'm selling, and also plates, plaques, etc. Different years have different awards, so not all years were cups. These were official gifts for formal recognition and stipulated by regulations, not something made for individuals after they get their award. This IS the award.

There's a maker's mark at the base of the cup with the stamp "pure silver". The name of the maker, Tamaya, is also stamped on the inside of the wooden lid of the box, which means this is an original box as well. 

Condition: Excellent - some marks on the surface of the cup. The box has some wear and tear.

Size: 3.5" tall x 1.75" across