This is an antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated with a ship's mast carrying a number of signals. The words on the cup are "Congratulations Warship Tone Launch Ceremony" "Meiji 40th Year October 24th" and "gifted by Akaoyasu". I looked up Akaoyasu and it seems to be the old name of the current Akao Company - they've always specialized in firefighting equipment, established in 1897 and was selling firehoses. They probably got some business from the shipyard for hoses on the ship and gave this cup as a gift.

This is the first generation Tone, a protected cruiser. It fought in WW1 and then was eventually used for target practice in 1933.

Condition: Excellent - some fading of the colors

Size: 3" across