dark379

looks like a shill bidding is happening now in those auction... all same bidders making the price high all the sudden.

looks like a shill bidding is happening now in those auction... all same bidders making the price high all the sudden.

Ya most photos on Yahoo jp, have poor pictures and lacking of details. =)

Nice analysis Mr. Nick, there are some difference between the neck and breast badge.

I see Mr. Nick all are original , but there is a chance the box and medal came from different era.

Hi again Mr. Nick, are those box original?

http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b158903562

here are some article inside the book.

By the way, what are the dimensions of your badge?

size is 52mm from end to end of wings

30mm height from bottom to tip of sakura

Interesting how the inscription is spaced differently on the two badges. You would think these would have been made from the same cast.

I think it has a different cast or cast in different time..

Nice looking badge Melvin!

Same inscription on reverse as Tod's badge has, but again slightly different stamp.

For example, take a look at endings of last upper plumes or diameter of central stamen

Thank you Nick, i did bought it in a collector together with the book....Ya Nick your right about it and there is a slight difference in 2 badges, even the gap between the Sakura to anchor and wing, have different spacing....

here is the photo

Nice observation Nick.... i have one in my collection ill try to post it.

I think that is a replica...? because it has no written words in the back and has a different type of pin

I see hehe. ya only one will do.

Hi again Nick u really did bought it?

I see Thank you for those info Nick.

I see Nick nice conclusion, and Thank you for the info of other 2 "M" mark 1st class medal.

so the only difference we can see for now between 1st and 3rd class are still the ring loop.

Hi again Nick, so the 2 sample of 1st class "M" mark are 80+ grams only

Thank you for the additional information.

Info upgrade (for post #15)

1st class badge - marked with M ​

Thickness (edge) 3.5 mm

3rd class badge - unmarked

Thickness (edge) 3.3 mm

I see.... so it was also close to 4 mm thick, but the weight is far from mine.

Wow nice translation, so it was awarded to pilot's during the war.

Nice info Nick

Ya so we can compare the average weight of 1st and 3rd class, it really have 10+ grams difference for now. which is large difference already.

1st class weight

Hi again i have the weight of each medal (i have lifted the ring loop lightly to lessen the ring weight)

1st = 95.5 +- grams

3rd = 78.5 +- grams

so it has a lot of difference in weight almost 17 grams

includes ring mine is

1st = 96.37

3rd = 83 +- ( cant weight it well due has ribbon)