Sake Cup Issue Box?

[SwordFish]

This sake cup came in this box. Wondering if this is the original issue box. Never purchased a cup that came with a box and don't have Dan's book for reference. Anyone have any idea?

Thank you in advance,
Tom

[SwordFish]

Box view 2

[plmurphy]

In the context of sake cups it is cincorrect to refer to an "issue box" since these were private purchase items, not issue items. The box is a sake cup box. These come in a wide variety of styles, some with manufacturers labels on the lid, in various colours and in different materials. For porcelain cups like this they tend to be cardboard while for lacquer or silver cups they are normally made from wood.

Compared to the number of sake cups out there, the survival rate for these boxes is pretty low. How often do you keep the cardboard container if you buy a new vase ? Most of them would have been chucked in the bin as soon as the soldier got home. The wooden cases for lacquer or silver cups tend to survive more, but not these cardboard ones.

Regards,

Paul

[SwordFish]

Hi Paul and thank you for the insight. This is the 1st cup I have acquired that came with the cardboard box. Naturally I saved the box.

Thank you again for the help and best regards,
Tom

[plmurphy]

Hi Tom,

You are welcome. The inscription on the cup says "End of Service Commemorative" just in case you did not already know.

Best regards,

Paul

[HunterSS]

Thanks plmurphy, I have been contemplating on acquiring a few of these great sake cups as of late. Could you recommend any refference materials?

[SwordFish]

Hunter,
Dan King wrote a book on sake cups and he touches briefly on sake bottles as well. He'll sell you a signed copy usually for around $50-60 US.

Here's a couple of mine I have displayed.

Tom

[plmurphy]

Nice display. I have over 600 cups in stock to sell once I get back to UK next year so keep an eye on my activities !

[HunterSS]

Thanks a lot for the info guys.........GREAT PICS as well!