Description:

JAPANESE AMBASSADOR'S DRESS UNIFORM AND SWORD, WITH LEATHER CASE
A fantastic Japanese ambassador's formal dress uniform and sword, attributed to Japanese Foreign Minister KATSUMI ONO (1905-2006). Ono entered the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1929. From 1953 to 1955 he served as Ambassador to the Philippines, and as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1957–1958. He also served in the prestigious and most important post of Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1958 to 1964. Included in this fabulous grouping, of which every piece is in excellent condition, is: an elaborate, heavily bullion-embroidered formal dinner jacket with matching black vest, the jacket adorned with chrysanthemum styled embroidery and buttons, all intact, the bullion showing just a few scattered pulls and light oxidation. Three black safety pins which once held his decorations still remain attached to the jacket, along with a shoulder board attachment, maker's label by Mitsukoshi, Tokyo; a pair of matching black wool trousers with 2 in. wide gold tresse, button fly and suspender supports, two side pockets and one watch pocket, adjustment strap at rear, with same maker's label; white shirt with reinforced collar and French cuffs (stained), made in Berlin; pre-knotted white bowtie with strap; white leather gloves; white patterned suspenders; two cufflinks and two buttons; a pair of black cotton socks, two simple hand towels, and appropriate padding for the suit. Also present is a rare Japanese diplomat's sword, 32 in. overall, 26 in. blade, the grip heavily wrapped in thick gold wire with a gilded pommel displaying chrysanthemums on both sides. The very ornate guard is also gilded, and it terminates at a cross guard bearing the head of a peacock and additional ornate decoration. The highly polished blade is acid-etched across half of its length with a leaf and vine design, the ricasso also decorated on both sides. The entire sword is near mint but for three tiny spots of oxidation. A gold portepee is wrapped about the guard. The black pattern-painted scabbard bears similarly-themed gilded fittings, and is straight and free of dents or dings but there are a few oxidized chips evident. Scabbard is lined with wood. The rather simple sword hanger, hidden when worn, is also present. The ambassador's ornate, formal bicorn hat is present as well. Measuring 17 x 5.5 in., it is constructed of black felt with a black moire ribbon, with an elaborate gold bullion band and gold chrysanthemum button on one side. The hat bears a fringe of white feathers, fully intact, on its upper edge. Within, it is lined in calfskin and bears the owner's embroidered initials 'M.O.' The hat is complete with its fully intact, black painted metal protective box with burgundy felt lining, white cloth bag, and securing strap. The sword, hat, and entire uniform are sold complete with two 44 x 16 in. white padded protective blankets, a few other protective pieces of padding, a leather name tag and the original, massive suitcase which was purpose-built and accommodates all of the individual pieces. The suitcase is marked with the owner's initials 'M. O.' Unique!

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*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000