Rare 1936 Japanese American San Bernardino Dojo Bronze Trophy Pair Dodge LA For Sale

• Primary Material: Bronze / Weighted

Composition Metal

• Age: 1936 (Showa 11)

• Region of Origin: United States (Los Angeles /

San Bernardino, CA)

• Original/Repro: Original Pre-WWII

• Maker: Dodge Inc. L.A. (One Cup Fully Marked)

Overview:

Offered here is an incredibly rare, historically significant pair of pre-WWII Japanese-American martial arts tournament trophies dating precisely to 1936 (Showa 11). This set represents an intact piece of Southern California's Inland Empire history, tracking directly to a localized Judo or Kendo Döjõ in San Bernardino, CA.

Because the vast majority of Japanese-American community property and personal heirlooms in California were confiscated, lost, or discarded during the forced internment of 1942 (Executive Order 9066), surviving multi-trophy sets from this era are exceptionally scarce. These cups are being sold strictly as a pair to preserve their historical integrity.

Trophy 1: The Divisional Award Cup

• Material: Heavy, unplated cast metal with a deep oxidized bronze patina and a traditional tiered base. Unmarked, indicating a custom localized casting or community-commissioned foundry piece.

• Right Hand Engraving: B27I†-Æ - Showa 11

(Translates to the year 1936)

• Center Hand Engraving: # - Sho (Prize /

Award)

• Left Hand Engraving： Dojõ (Pre-war phonetic Japanese spelling for San Bernard[ino] Dojõ)

Trophy 2: The Grand Championship Cup

• Material: High-polish brass/copper tone finish.

Fully stamped on the underside: "Dodge MFG

L.A.i (Dodge Inc. of Los Angeles, the premier mid-century American trophy maker famous for manufacturing the original Hollywood Oscar statuettes).

• Front Engraving: 12157 - Yushu-hai (Championship Cup / First Place Trophy)

• Reverse/Base Engraving: LE - Ueda Takara Kizõ (Donated by Takara Ueda

• Historical Significance: Historical records from the 1920s-1930s place the Ueda family as prominent Issei (first-generation) merchants and community pillars in the San Bernardino area. As community elders, they custom-ordered this premium cup from Dodge Inc. in Los Angeles to sponsor the grand prize for the local youth (Nisei) tournament.

Condition Report

• Both trophies are in remarkable, honest vintage condition given their 90-year age.

• Trophy 1 retains a beautiful, untouched dark bronze patina. Calligraphy engraving remains crisp and deeply legible.

• Trophy 2 maintains a bright, reflective metallic finish with minimal surface wear, minor tarnishing, and age-appropriate flea bites.

• Bases are secure, structures are rigid, and handles are firmly attached. No structural cracks or major dents. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully for exact cosmetic state.