Gensui

Does anybody know, where this medal bar is now? BR, Chris

Thanks a lot! I knew this sites, but also looking for some books, etc. BR, Chris

Gents, Is there any recommendations about the Japanese Fire Department, such as history, organisation, etc? Thanks in advance and br, Chris

I tried to "play" with the quality of the tally. Hopefully, somebody can help with identification? Thanks and br, Chris

Gents, Attached tally puzzles me. I guess, it's a souvenier tally of a former German guy. Any chance for identification / reading? I know, the quality of photo is pretty poor. But maybe good enought to identify? Thanks in advance and best regards, Chris

Thanks a lot! Just wondering, if somebody else have any similar tally...? BR, Chris

Gents, I came across this ottoman tally, which I would identify as tally for the Midilli ex Imperial German Breslau. Maybe somebody confirm the wonderful calligraphy? Beside this, I’d like to know the purpose of this tally. Based on this ornamental “art”, it seems like this is not an official tally, but only given (sold?) as sweetheart tally or souvenir? Does anybody have further information about these kind of tallies? Thanks and br, Chris

Thanks Nick! Fortunately, I got in touch with the Great-grandniece of this previous “owner”. According to her, her Great-granduncle was commanded on board of the SMS Prinzeß Wilhelm in China. Before he returned to Germany, he arranged some sweetheart tallies. His diary mentioned, that he asked his Chinese “Mafu” to “create” this tally. Later back in Germany, he bought a “Reservistenpaddel” (English?) and tied this tally to several others. Unfortunately, the “Paddel” was sold a couple of years ago and the former buyer untied this Chinese written tally. BR, Chris

Maybe for the locals? Or maybe a Chinese ship, serving for the German Gouvernment? I agree with you, the writting looks terrible. But by own experience, I would say, this was written by a Chinese (not European, Chinese speaking/writting guy). My Japanese handwritting will be easily identified as "non-Japanese writter". I found attached picture (courtesy of Chris Dale, http://www.germancolonialuniforms.co.uk/). Looks terrible as well, isn't it? BR, Chris

Now with this transcription I can see the kanji, thanks a lot mate! Maybe some Chinese sailors under German command? Such as Hilfsseeleute (compare to the Chinese Leasehold Police under German command)? I know this tally from a picture, but can‘t find it... BR, Chris

Gents, This (probably) cap tally is puzzling me. Can anyone give me a translation (and confirmation, if it's really Chinese not Taiwanese)? Thanks and best regards, Chris

Gents, Are there any serious collectors of Japanese Fire Department Badges (mixed areas / epoch)? I was asked by a friend for help clearing an estate of a huge collection (several hundreds item). Before considering an Auction House, I'd like to check with you guys here. Further information via pm please! BR, Chris

I would go with your idea, that this badge could be post ww2. Thanks for your help! BR, Chris

According to my friend, it's non-magnetic, tombak / nickel plated. BR, Chris