Japanese Wooden Soroban / Abacus – Imperial Year 2600 (1940) Commemorative Inscription Item Description: A vintage Japanese soroban featuring a wooden frame and beads mounted on metal rods. It has 15 rods in the traditional configuration of one upper bead and five lower beads per rod. This 1:5 arrangement represents an older form of the Japanese soroban, differing from the now-common 1:4 configuration. The reverse is carved with the Japanese inscription: “皇紀二千六百年参拝紀念　丸福魚市場” This can be translated as “Commemoration of a shrine or temple visit in Imperial Year 2600 – Marufuku Fish Market.” Imperial Year 2600 corresponds to 1940. The place visited is not identified in the inscription. The exact production date is not confirmed, but the inscription connects the piece to a specific commemoration in 1940. It is an interesting historical object suitable as a traditional calculating instrument, collectible, or display piece. The name carved on the reverse is “丸福魚市場” (Marufuku Uoichiba / Marufuku Fish Market). According to the seller’s research, Marufuku Fish Market Co., Ltd. was formerly located in Shimotsui, Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Size & Weight: 32.5 × 11 × 3 cm 549 g Keyword for search: Showa-era officeware / merchant memorabilia / arithmetic tool / Japanese commercial history / historical display Good condition. Vintage condition with scratches, rubbing, stains, fading, and natural patina from age and use. The metal rods show dulling and discoloration, and a dark mark is visible on one bead. The preservation condition is good. However, there are age-appropriate marks, stains, and other imperfections. Please confirm by checking the photos. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx, depending on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation. NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx, depending on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.