coastie

Rick the symbols are for Showa I found out. [attachmentid=14197] [attachmentid=14200]

Okay a little experiment: Here is the Picture in it's normal sepia color [attachmentid=14188] now here is the 1904-1905 Medal and 1937 Incident medal converted to sepia and lightened [attachmentid=14189] Leaning more to the 04-05 war medal?

I've been secretly thinking that it is the 04-05 medal, for two reasons: 1. The Dark center stripe and lack of side stripes 2. The picture frame suggests turn of the century. Now back to the Golden Kite and know of two different styles of kites, is this the early one? Until I can get the papers translated we won't know for sure. Rick: Can you spot a Taisho symbol anywhere? Whoo was the Emperor before Taisho?

Here is a 1937 Medal but again the considerations would have to be the lighting, kind of film used and all.

I know it's a problem. But there are only so many wide ribanded Japanese medals with bars. Are there more than what is listed in Petersen's Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated states? 1874 War Medal (no center stripe) 1894--95 War Medal (equal green,white,green) 1900 War Medal (2mm green borders, 3 7mm white separeted by 2 6mm green stripes) 1904-05 War Medal (white border, green with Blue center stripe) 1914-15 War Medal (Dark Blue with White center Stripe) 1914-1920 War Medal (same as above) 1931-34 Incident War Medal (see earlier post for picture) 1937 China Medal (it has a Paler red stripe down center, with blue end stripes) This is the only other possiblity. I'll scan mine and do a b/w conversion.

Don't think any one has observed this but Medal ribbon 3 is the opposite coloration of ribbon 4 so one can assume from this that it is also an athletic medal.

You do have a good point there. Something to work on there.

Oops I should look more carefully The Taisho Medal does not have a bar whereas the China Incident has one as well as the one in the picture.

Found some colored pictures of Taisho Coronation and China Incident 31-34 [attachmentid=13912][attachmentid=13913] Now here they are converted to black and white [attachmentid=13916][attachmentid=13917] Now compare to the picture of the Vet's medal, it looks like it may be a Taisho Cornation Medal. What do you all think? [attachmentid=13919]

My Bad! Yes that is true, but then the Spanish became your allies.

Happy Anniversary to my British cousins. It was 200 years ago yesterday that the RN under Admiral Nelson defeated the French Navy at Trafalgar. This accomplished two things at least: Stopped any invasion plans the French had in mind. It assured British Navy supremacy for at least a century. A Virtual pint of Rum for everyone!

That's what I'm thinking. Now, I think his rank is an Acting Corporal? I see no stars

Occasionally I've seen them for sale but they are pricey on their own esp. the upper classes of awards,

Thanks gang next week I'll send copies of the papers off to a couple of Japanese teachers and see what they come up with. The GK has no marks, and is polished on the back. Any clues as to the medal next to the Sacred Treasure?

it may not be a china incident medal could be 31/34 incident ?

Here is the picture full size, the early frame is a possible clue to age.

Here Gordon is a certificate I hope to at least to identify the member and its age.

Outstanding Mate, That's quite a haul.

Yes it is, no marks either.

Hope I can find someone that can.

Here is a closeup of the Veteran's picture he has a Sacred Treasure Order and looks like a China incident medal.

This certificate came with the group but have no idea what it is.

The Golden Kite no maker marks on the back

Just got this in yesterday here it is as a group and will break it down individually.

That is pretty much it you won't be asked by anyone to join. Just contact the secretary of your local Lodge and he can give you all the info. Can you believe it I was in a B. Dalton bookstore the other day and there is a "Freemasonry for Dummies" book out. It is written by a Mason and gives good back ground of the history of the Fraternity, past and present. Also the Shriners are part of Masonry as is Demolay, Job's Daughters, Rainbow Girls, Eastern Star, York rite, Knight's Templar and Scottish Rite. Most of the time there are meetings, dinners, outings and other public involvement. There is a lot of mis-understanding what masonry is about. It has been called a "Secret Society" if that was so it wouldn't be advertised on the front of the Lodge and you wouldn't know who the members were. As a Mason you can walk into any lodge in the world and be welcomed. I travelled to Lodges in the States and in India and always felt welcome. That's the purpose of the "secret handshakes and words" so that you can recognize a fellow Mason (but you also have to show a valid dues card).