In 1930 Hagen did a world tour with his side kick Joe Kirkwood and visited Japan where he was invited to give a golf lesson to the Emperor at the golf course on his Imperial grounds. However, because the country had an earthquake, the Emperor cancelled and instead sent his secretary, Mr. A. Orita, to Hagen at his hotel to call off the match. The Emperor gifted Hagen a stunning gold cigarette case and two documents. The first in Japanese calligraphy is an official proclamation of the gift. This photographic image of that document appeared in Hagen’s book. Note the production notes on the reverse. Also included is the original English translation of the calligraphy done on fragile rice paper. It reads “One Gold Cigarette Case”  "I hereby beg to advise that the above is bestowed on you by H I On. Emperor’s gracious will.  Kantaro Suzuki  Lord Chamberlain June 7^th, 1930 To Mr. Walter Hagen.” Suzuki would go on to become Japan’s Prime Minister in April 1945 and was the one who urged the Emperor to surrender during World War II. The calligraphy has a tear, some folds, and edge tears. Size is roughly 6.5 by 14 inches. The rice paper measures approx. 9 by 11.5 inches.

The cigarette case (see photo) was sold at auction in 1990 and is believed to be in Japan and is NOT included in this lot. Finally, a letter of provenance is included from the Walter Hagen estate.