Sterling silver ashtray with a repeating scalloped or floral design around the rim and Japanese characters etched into the edges. The center features a medallion or raised plaque depicting a warship labeled "H.I.M.S. KATORI" with the inscription "BUILT BY VICKERS SONS & MAXIM, BARROW-IN-FURNESS," indicating it is likely a commemorative item. Japanese text around rim refers to various important dates in the ship's history.

Information about the HIHMS Katori verso.

Size: 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. 
Weight: 3.375 ozt. 

IJN Katori was the lead ship of the 1939 Katori-class light cruisers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Laid down in 1938, launched in 1939, and commissioned in 1940, she was originally designed as a training cruiser with spacious accommodations and an emphasis on stability rather than speed or heavy armament. With the outbreak of World War II, Katori was reassigned to operational duty, serving as a flagship for fleet and submarine-command units and later receiving additional anti-aircraft and escort equipment. In February 1944, during the major U.S. attack on Truk Lagoon, she was severely damaged by air strikes and naval gunfire and ultimately sunk, later being removed from the Navy’s rolls.

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