The left hand mark on the drag is the mark of the Kokura arsenal in Tokyo, (used through 1945) where it was either assembled, or accepted, or both. I can't make out the other.
Thank you, Gordon. I've just begun collecting Japanese medals and this study of the Sacred Treasures progression was very helpful. Japanese medals are still greatly under-appreciated and still a bit undervalued, in my opinion.
I tried to upload a small .jpg of my FrW 1st class (about 86 KB), but the system wouldn't allow it. Sorry. I'll post it over on the WAF as a new thread under the Imperial section until I get this figured out.
I have an Fr W EK1 in my collection, marked under the catch and in two separate insiced boxes. My EK1 is completely different than my Fr in terms of core details, frame, and pin. It would be interesting to find out what's behind the Fr, FR and Fr W markings.
From what I can see in the photo, the 52 has characteristics of the newer fakes coming out of eastern Europe (supposedly made in Hungary). Painted on patina, a brushed stainless look to the metal, and a very distinct lip around the backplate.
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