WWII Imperial Japanese Army 50th Infantry Shandong Expedition Sake Bottle 1930s

.main1 p,.main1 span .main1 h1 .main1 h2 .main1 p,.main1 div .margin-bottom_change h2 DescriptionThis sake bottle is a rare commemorative piece from the Imperial Japanese Army, featuring the inscription “50th Infantry Regiment / Shandong Expedition / Takeuchi.” What does “50th Infantry” mean? The 50th Infantry Regiment (歩兵第50連隊) was a unit of the Imperial Japanese Army, active from the early 20th century through WWII. Based mainly in the Hiroshima region, the regiment participated in various campaigns in China, especially during the 1930s. What is the “Shandong Expedition”? “Shandong Shutsudō” (山東出動) refers to several Japanese military interventions in China’s Shandong province. Most notably, the 1927 and 1928 Shandong Expeditions were part of the broader Japanese effort to protect their nationals and interests during the chaotic Warlord Era and the Northern Expedition by the Nationalist Chinese Army. These expeditions marked Japan’s increasing involvement in mainland China, which later escalated into the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). Historical Background During the 1920s and 1930s, Shandong was a hotspot of international tension. Japanese troops were often dispatched to “protect Japanese citizens” but also to assert Japan’s influence. These commemorative bottles were typically given to officers and soldiers as souvenirs, symbolizing participation in a major overseas operation. Design The bottle features a gold star, crossed flags (the Rising Sun and national flag), and the hand-painted inscription: “歩50 山東出動記念 竹内” (“50th Infantry, Shandong Expedition Commemoration, Takeuchi” - probably the owner’s name). Collector’s Note These personalized items are highly sought-after because they connect directly to real individuals and actual historical campaigns—not just anonymous mass-produced militaria. Own a Piece of History.ShippingFedex or Japan postInternational Buyers - Please Note:Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.Thank you for your understanding.