Richard LaTondre

That is really impressive. I will see if I can track that number down for you. Richard

The badge (planchet) minus the ribbon and bar from USD 75 - 150 The medal with all appropriate bars, 8th class, minus case 250 - 475. I have not seen many cases for these items and there are many of these selling for the latter prices without the bars.

And most important, here is the back

My latest eBay acquisition.

Hi Alex: What is more unbelievable is that they did not identify them as the Cloud and Banner! What is your take on that? Richard

Yes. There are pictures. Too many to post here but they will be in the book.

HMS Tamar (Chinese: 添馬艦) was the name for the Royal Navy's base in Hong Kong from 1897 to 1997. It took its name from HMS Tamar a ship that was used as the base until replaced by buildings ashore. This is explained in Wikipedia. Richard

NOTES BY J. M. WATSON Inspector of Police Shanghai China and Author of Chinese Medals and Decorations (These are notes from S. G. Yasinitskys files, The founder of OMSA that I feel should be shared with the members of OMSA. This item pertains to Mr. C. L. Song the Tsiaoling (Charge de Affaires) of the Republic of China from 1934 to 1948.) PART I I first met Tsiaoling C. L. Song in the early spring of 1938 in Shanghai when he answered an advertisement I had inserted in a Chinese newspaper for orders and decorations of former Chinese governments. As he walked sedately into my office one morning he had diplomat written all over him. Correctly attired in a grey morning suit, an umbrella over his left arm and carrying a black Homberg hat he was a picture of courtliness and good manners. After the introductions were over he gave me his history. Speaking several languages he had been appointed Charge de Affaires in 1912 by Peking, to first, Germany until China broke off relations in 1915 with that country, then he was transferred to other Embassies, Denmark, France, Switzerland and Holland. He returned to China in 1923 but had in the meantime been decorated lavishly. For his work in Germany he had conferred upon him by the Kaiser Wilhelm a beautiful white enameled gold cross, the fourth class order of Dannenberg, (Denmarks gold cross) a French Order, and several others from the countries mentioned. He Then returned to China and re-joined the Peking Government under President Li Yuan-Hung, (1923). In 1927 when Chiang Kai-Sheks regime moved to Nanking, Song held a Government post which necessitated his travelling throughout the country. In October 1937 when the Japanese forces were hammering at the gates of Shanghai he had been sent down from Nanking to remove certain archives back to Hankow. Unfortunately before he could complete his mission, Japanese troops had overcome all resistance from the Chinese army, isolated Shanghai and cut all means of travel and communications between there and Nanking. Unfortunately for my diplomat friend he had left practically all his belongings in the capital with the exception of a few personal effects, his diplomats dress and several decorations. Cut off from the Government and without funds or relations he had resided in a Chinese hotel living for six months on the proceeds of those personal possessions (including decorations), which he had pawned. In less than 2 hours we had recovered the more valuable items, uniform etc., from the pawnshops and returned to my office. I outlined to him my wishes in building up as complete a collection of Chinese Orders and Decorations as was possible, since I had then, over a period of 15 years in my collection mostly only Provincial issues, medals of Warlords Yang-Sen (Szechuen Province, Wu Pei-Fu (Central China) Chang Tso-Lin (North China and Manchuria) other generals but none of the higher diplomatic and/or Government presentations, for which I was prepared to pay high prices for. PART II He stated that he had many old friends and retired Government officials in Shanghai who had been with him prior to and after the revolution of 1911, and knew all the decorations they would have. His difficulty was however, that he was too proud to beg or borrow, but (in his diplomatic way) he could ask for the loan of these medals etc., from the recipients for a short period and anyway, they attached little value to them now, being either too old or steeped in opium to care. In this way I could advance him sufficient funds to support himself with and pay off a few debts, and everybody would be happy. Everybody was, particularly myself three days later when he turned up with a large bundle under his arm, which, he apologized was all he could bring at the moment. He related he had visited his best friend of happier days, none other than Tan Tso-Ji former premier and Prime Minister at Peking under Yuan Shih-Kai. Carefully removing the wrappings on the bundle he disclosed to my view that most beautiful and exquisite of all decorations the Order of Pao-Kwung Cha-Ho, first class with blue and red sash, an order seldom conferred except on the very highest officials (see Colonel Wyllies description, page 7). Next came a complete set of the Order of the Wen-Hu or striped Tiger, ist Class with green and yellow sash, then another of the Order of the Cha-Ho, 2nd class, yellow and white sash. Lower classes included the Cha-Ho, 4th class and the Wen-Hu, 4th class, and a Manchurian Order. All were in their original boxes as issued and in beautiful condition. (two weeks later, after my diplomat friend had brought me the collection, Tang Tso-Ji was assassinated by an axe wielding youth who on the pretense of being a relative struck his victim, leaving the weapon embedded in the skull). (Motive ÷ the ex-premier had some 25 years previously and against the wishes of the local population personally destroyed with an axe an idol which blocked the way of a new highway leading out from Peking in the Chungshan district. This story is vouched for personally by the former Chief Justice and Attorney General of China, Judge Hing Yun-Loo, a personal friend of the old premier). A few days later my diplomat brought me a very rare set formerly owned by another old premier, General Tuan Chi-Jui, leader of the powerful Peiyang party who helped to topple the Manchus. These were the 2nd class Pao-Kwung-Cha-Ho with sash, 2nd class Wen-Hu, and several others of lower orders conferred on the old general for distinguished services. Another very fine set brought later consisted of some orders and medals of former President Li Yuan-Hung who succeeded Marshal Yuan Shih-Kai, after the latter had been poisoned to death at the instigation of the Japanese. (in this matter the Japanese Military were exerting their influence in the north and had some considerable hold over Yuan. In fact the president on page 40 is photographed wearing the star of the order of the Rising Sun! (No other succeeding president had PART III PART III this decoration conferred upon him). Presumably he was accumulating too much power for their liking for he was wearing this order above all others. I have not come across any other than this specimen, either in Peking or elsewhere. (Yuan Shih-Kai is not shown wearing the order possibly because the photograph was taken very early in his presidency), Throughout the summer of 1938 my diplomat friend brought me from time to time, and mostly now by direct purchase, various smaller decorations, and mostly from junior officials. Occasionally we traversed the city together combing pawnshops, second hand dealers, thieves markets and other junk merchant places but we had secured the cream of the collection earlier and had to be content with whatever other items we could pick up. Occasionally a dealer from Peking would be able to smuggle through the Japanese military a few specimens into Shanghai which we were able to take up. I was soon to lose, however, my newly found friend, and diplomat, for much to my very great sorrow and regret, (the following note is written at the bottom of this page: “ . . Yuan Shih-Kai’s order was located in Hong Kong in 1955 slightly different and having double pearls in each leaf, now in my collection” JMW) as he contracted a severe case of dysentery and died ending a very valued and close friendship of only a few months. I paid several visits to Peking during 1940-41 and 1947 but the bazaars had been practically denuded by pillaging Japanese soldiery and very few genuine decorations were left. I did however, in 1947 pick up several of the best Manchuko medals, one very rare and unique, a silver “Basket of Flowers” medal presented to Emperor Pu-Yi (the Boy Emperor replaced(sic) on the throne by Japanese) by the Japanese Emperor on the occasion of his first visit to Japan. Now that the Japanese have lost everything they had in China and the puppet Government of Manchukuo has been liquidated, there can be few, if any, genuine specimens in the way of high orders left in this part of a once glorious empire. There are however, quite a few of the present Nationalist Government but these are of little value from a collectors point of view, except perhaps as an example to show what the present day Governments are content with compared to those of a former area, /s/ J.M. Watson.

So would I. The book is pretty much completed. All I need to do is convince OMSA to print it.

"From Yash's Library" Earlier this year while putting together notes etc. for a forth-coming project, I searched in vain for a biographical sketch of Harry Mohler, the former many time president of OMSA and also the donor of the Harry A. Mohler Collection of Chinese and Thai Medals at the Hoover Institute, Stanford University. There was no information to be found. In going through some of Yash's papers I found the following Bio which also explains the relationship of J. M. Watson, Tsiaoling (Charge de' Affairs) C. L. Song, and Mr. Mohler. It appears that the majority of the medals contained in the Mohler Collection were obtained through Mr. Watson and C. L. Song. What is of extreme interest to Chinese medal collectors, is the fact that Mr. Watson wrote a single copy of a book entitled "Chinese Medals And Decorations". This book was never published to my knowlege. I believe I have found a copy of the only existing volume. If anyone has any information about this book or other copies please let me know. THE HARRY A. MOHLER COLLECTION The Harry A. Mohler Collection of Chinese orders and medals was donated to the Hoover Institution in 1977. It is housed in the Archives where it is available for study and research. While primarily Chinese, the collection includes a relatively comprehensive listing of the principle orders and medals of Thailand. This collection was accumulated over a period of nearly forty years, it contains over two hundred medals issued by Chinese presidents and warlords between 1911 and 1928, thirty-one rare sets of Imperial Chinese orders and decorations, as well as some ninety-three Thai orders and medals. Harry Mohler was a long time resident of Sausalito, California. He was an early member of the Orders and Medal Society of America (OMSA), serving on the Board of Directors for a number of years and as a President from 1953-1955. Harry hosted the 1972 OMSA Convention in San Francisco and authored numerous articles in the Society journal, The Medal Collector. He was awarded an Honorary Membership for his many contributions to the Society. The Chinese collection covers the period 1860-1928. It’s strength emerges from the historically significant Republic Orders attributed to Yuan Shi-Kai (袁世凱), the firstpresident of the Republic and from the sheer numbers of medals from the Warlord era. Prior to his death in 1978, Mohler prepared a listing of medals to be given to the Hoover Institution. The listing is composed of background information on some awards, brief biographical sketches on several Warlords and a description with illustrated photocopies of most of the medals. The latter uses a single page for each medal format. Many of the individual pieces in the Mohler collection were acquired from J.M. Watson, a police inspector in Shanghai and an early collector of Chinese medals. Watson compiled and bound a single copy of a book, Chinese Medals and Decorations. An interesting feature of the Watson book is a narrative by a Chinese diplomat through whom Watson made many of his important acquisitions. In addition to the Watson collection, Mohler acquired medals from his many friends and collecting associates, as well as from the British auction houses of Baldwin’s, Spink, Sotheby’s and Christie’s. He was a fixture for years on the floor of the Bourse at the annual OMSA conventions.

My pleasure Alex, Semper Fi

Hi Hugh, Well there certainly is enough material but most of it is handwritten notes and it takes quite a bit of time to decipher some of it. All of the pictures are black and white xerox copies however I think I have most of them in color from when I did the work on the Mohler Collection at Stanford. I would like to share it with others as it does provide some interesting facts about these very old pieces of history. I believe that J. M. Watson wrote a book "Chinese Medals and Decorations" which I have as a draft plus an old draft of Mohlers book on Chinese medals. Printing costs are so high that I have given up doing it myself. If OMSA would print it I think it would be great. Regards, Dick

CHINESE WARLORD MEDALS The following is an extract of a treatise by the late Foreign Minister C. L. Song who was the former Chargè de’ Affairs of the Government of China. (1934 – 1948) They were contained in a letter that C. L. Song had written to James. M. Watson and were found in some notes I had obtained from Yash (OMSA No.1) I have read Colonel Robert E. Wyllies book on medals in which is included a short description of Chinese military, naval and diplomatic decorations but as only five of these are given and a rather vague of each, which I consider is not altogether correct, I venture to give a more wider view of others which were also either officially issued, or approved and recognized by the Chinese government. After the inauguration of the Republic with Yuan Shih-Kai as its first president, official sanction was granted various Tuchans or governors to establish such decorations and medals as they considered suitable, to be bestowed only on higher military commanders, firstly, as a reward for their services in helping to overthrow the Manchu dynasty and secondly as a permanent record of the Revolution. These decorations were many and varied, since, in the majority of cases the governor concerned had to rely upon such engravers as were available in his own province. Several of these medals bear the likeness of the Tuchan himself in military dress whilst others are beautifully designed and worked. However, as jealousy and intrigue among these provincial rulers became rife with the aftermath of the new regime, it was not long before several of them were either deposed or assassinated, and so eventually a new set of medals made their appearance with the new governor, who naturally wanted nothing of his predecessor. About this time (1914) the Great War was raging in Europe, and China in the following year allied herself with the cause of the Allies although without any active participation other than permitting many thousands of Chinese labourers to be sent to France to work behind the lines. Mention is made of this fact, I think, in the Times History of the Great War, and it is worthy of recall that each man on his return to China was given a medal bt the British Government for services rendered. Few of them have kept them, however, but those who have, wear them with pride. The Chinese Government also issued a medal to the senior officers in charge of the contingent and as only a few were given, these are indeed very rare. Several Wen-Hu (Striped Tiger) decorations were bestowed on Allied commanders by the Chinese Government in recognition of services given against a common foe whilst at the successful conclusion of the war a number of Chah-Ho (Golden Grain) medals were given to those diplomats who were instrumental in helping China to recover Tsingtao which had been from her by Germany many years before, and which had been re-captured by the Japanese troops with the assistance of the British naval and land forces after Japan had also joined the Allies, in 1914. With peace in Europe once more, internal troubles in China did not diminish but on the contrary seemed to increase. Feuds developed and the two great Warlords Chang Tso-lin and Wu Pei-Fu struggled for supremacy from 1919 to 1926 when the latter was finally defeated. Chang Tso-lin’s influence rapidly spread southwards and had already gone beyond the Yangtsze Valley when Chiang Kai-Shek took up the challenge from Canton (1927. However, during the period of fighting both Warlords, who each had the backing of several other Provincial commanders, issued a number of medals to their troops, the majority having some kind of picture or photograph of the Warlord concerned inset. Wu Pei-Fu in fact issued more decorations than any other commander and he appears to have insisted on impressive titles describing his prowess on all his issues. Chang Tso-lin was much more reserved, probably being guided by his foreign advisor, General Sutton, world renowned as the “one armed Sutton", a soldier of fortune and a veteran of the World War. In several of his medals Chang Tso-lin is shown in different kinds of dress, some as a Chinese Field Marshal, others in Russian military costume, whilst one in particular shows him mounted on a fiery steed jumping the Great Wall of China, a really impossible feat, but the old Warlord evidently intended to convey the impression that he was unconquerable by driving his adversaries south of the Great Wall which in those days was really considered impregnable. It is not necessary, I think, to remind my readers of the reason why the Great Wall was built, since it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world but the old Marshal was evidently so elated by his victory that he caused this medal to be struck. As previously mentioned the majority of medals issued by these powerful barons eventually had the recognition of the government at Peking which by this time had installed its third president Tsao Kwung, also a former Warlord and supreme commander of the seven Central provinces. Each President made it the practice of striking and issuing a number of decorations on election, to various military commanders and officials still loyal to the government, but so far as is known none of these were bestowed on foreigners, the reason for this being that they were not welcomed to take part in China’s internal quarrels and so none were granted. However, a number of foreigners did receive medals and badges for flood and famine relief and for assisting in Red Cross work but these were limited in number. So many and varied were the number of decorations and medals issued at different times and for different campaigns that to give a detailed list here would be impossible. Suffice it to say that official approval from the Bureau of Engraving had first to be obtained, and in the majority of cases this was strictly adhered to. Indeed two very beautiful and exquisite specimens were struck and issued to the Governor of the Bureau itself in 1912 and are very rare. These take the form of a jeweled cross, the first class being gold and the second of silver. The Bureau at this time was very much overworked due to the enormous amount of work it had to contend with in the new government and the very limited staff of experts at its disposal. WITH THE COMING OF Chiang Kai-Shek, afterwards promoted Generalissimo, who defeated every army put against him in his northward drive from Canton, culminating in his capture of Peking a few months later and ousting the government, all previous medals and decorations were abolished. These included the White Eagle, Pao-Kwung-Chah-Ho (Precious Light Golden Grain), Cha-Ho (Golden Grain),, the Wen-Hu (Striped Tiger) together with all other provincial medals with the exception of the Order of the Red Cross of China and a few other philanthropic issues which were still being given for such work. However, some of the old Warlords of Suiyuan, Chahar and other Northern areas refused to accept Chiang as their conqueror and continued to rule their own domains. Once established the new Kuomintang then struck a new set of medals and decorations, the highest being the Army, Navy and Air force medal, several of which have already been conferred on foreigners, mostly police officials for assisting in the overthrow of Communism against which Chiang Kai-Shek was deadly against. The Generalissimo moreover caused several other medals to be struck and issued to his troops for bravery and meritorious service during his northward drive but these are rar and only a few have come into the possession of collectors. With the outbreak of war between Japan and China in 1932 the very high decorations of the previous regime’s such as those mentioned in Colonel Wyllie’s book are rapidly becoming scarce since a number of former high officials, now either deposed or refugees from the military scourge which continues to ravage China have, mostly through poverty or other reasons been forced to sell theirs for cash or have them melted down for the sake of the precious metals and jewels they contained, and so eke out a miserable existence. Other have been buried with the recipients as is the usual custom with the Chinese of previous eras, whilst a number together with practically all the records were lost at Peking when the Japanese army invaded and pillaged that ancient capital. Only one complete collection existed which belonged to the old government, and now that this has been lost the task of replacing same is impossible, and China’s military record of heroes, soldiers, and statesmen is lost for ever except in the imagination of dreamers. I have heard however of odd private collections but it is doubtful if these are anywhere near complete and since I have not had the privilege of inspecting any of them I am unable to pass an opinion. It is certain, however, that any collection of such a nature must not only become exceedingly valuable, but highly interesting, since lovers of my country must deplore the passing of our national heroes of days which have gone forever. oooOOOOooo /s/ TsialingSong

Some Ambiguous Chinese Orders When James W. Peterson wrote his dissertation “Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States”, it immediately became the ‘bible’ for many collectors as it was the first and probably only, scholastic treatise on the subject and also became The Orders and Medals Society of America’s Monograph Number 1. Some material that he had written on the subject was omitted for the final printing and in order to bring to light his views on some more or less controversial awards, I have decided to publish these notes that dealt with this subject in the hopes that it may clarify some of the ambiguity involving some awards such as The Order of United Glory, Order of the Brilliant Jade, Decoration to Japanese Comrades, and Peaceful National Commemoration Medal. The notes that follow below are in Mr. Peterson’s handwriting: Reorganized National Government of China Following the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, local administrations were set up in the Japanese controlled areas of China. The Provisional Government of the Republic of China was established 14 December 1937 in Peking and the New Reformed Government of the Republic of China was set up in Nanking on 28 March 1938. On 30 March 1940, these governments were merged into the Reorganized National Government of China under the traitor Wang Ching-wei. This regime claimed to be the true national government of China, and used the Kuomintang flag. On 9 January 1943 this government declared war on the U. S. and Great Britain. Order of United Glory Tung-Kuang –Hsun-Chang (the translation is my own JWP) According to one source, this order was established 14 March 1943 in a special class ans classes 1 thru 5. According to a Japanese encyclopedia, it was established 5 March 1943 in 9 classes “to commemorate the return of the national government to Nanking on that day.” Another Japanese reference book gives the date of establishment as 25 February 1943. The order is of typical Chinese design and manufacture, as is the sash and also the presentation case, which is of brocade silk. It is very rare in any class. The badge of the Special Grand Cordon has a 5 point star in white, in a red ring bearing nine gilt stars, in a blue ring with nine white clouds, on an 8 point star of narrow rays, on 8 large double-pointed rays enameled alternately and it is suspended from a gilt cloud design which is suspended from a gilt ball-tipped 5 point star. The sash is 100mm unwatered raw silk(?), red with 19mm yellow edges. The breast star is (blank) mm, gilt, and has a (blank) mm silver 5 point star on white in a red circle bearing 9 gilt stars, in a blue ring bearing 9(?) white clouds on an 8 point star of 32 double-pointed, white enameled silver rays, superimposed on 8 large double-pointed gilt rays enameled alternately blue and white, and with (blank) rays in the angles. The badge of the First Class Grand Cordon is 82mm, heavily gilded, and has 9 gilt stars on a red medallion, in a blue ring with 9 white clouds, on an 8-point star of narrow beaded silver rays, on a larger 8-point star of narrow beaded silver rays on a larger 8-point star of narrow fluted gilt rays,, and is suspended from a gilt cloud design which is ib turn suspended from a gilt ball-tipped 5-point star. The sash is 100mm unwatered of the usual Chinese type, red with 19mm white edges. (Another specimen has been seen which has the sash of the Special Grand Cordon). The breast star is 93mm of the same design as the badge without the suspension. A lower class badge, probably the 3rd class, is 79mm gilt, similar in design to the First Class but with only 7 stars on the medallion, and has the same cloud and star suspension. The reverse has characters giving the name of the order. Order of the Brilliant Jade Tsai-Yu-Hsun-Chang. It appears that this order, which was established 2 December 1933 by Nationalist China, was adopted and awarded by Wang Ching-Wei’s regime, and probably for this reason seems to have been suspended after 1943 by the Nationalists. According to a Japanese encyclopedia it was the 2nd ranking order, to Chinese only with classes to foreigners without class and different ribbons; in 9 classes, the 1st class with red and white ribbon, 2nd class white and red, 3rd class blue, 4th class red, white and blue, 5th class white, red and blue, 6th class red, white and blue, 7th class blue and red, 8th class light red, and 9th class the Military Order Pao-Ting. The Military Order of Pao-Ting (Precious Tripod) was established by Nationalist China in 1929. Decoration to Japanese Comrades This decoration which was probably awarded by Wang Ching-Wei’s government, is a 57mm silver 12 point star of 60 narrow rays on which is superimposed a smaller 12 point star on 72 red enameled rays, and in the center of this is a man’s head, full face in silver on silver, in the center of a blue and white Kuomintang sun emblem (as on the Nationalist flag). The reverse is plain, with in the center an inscription in 4 vertical lines of characters, “National Government, Japanese Comrades assistance, China Nationalist foundation commemorative medal, conferred by Chief of State.” The badge is suspended by a ring on a 33mm watered ribbon of equal blue/white/red, on an ornamental 4 x 41mm silver clasp. This decoration is very scarce. Peaceful National Foundation Commemoration Medal These very rare medals should also probably be attributed to Wang Ching-Wei’s government. The medal is approximately 36mm silver, circular with an ornamental figure on each of the 4 sides and in the center a monogram of 4 characters on a blue medallion which is encircled by a silver wreath and an ornamental border. The ribbon is about 36mm of red plush silk with a bue and white Kuomintang sun on a blue circle in the center. At the top of the ribbon is a silver clasp with seal characters “Peaceful National Foundation Commemorative”. A lower class is in silver and gilt without enamel on a plain red, plush ribbon with the same clasp. A medal which was probably awarded by the government is about 50mm of dark bronze, with on the obverse a blue and white Enameled Kuomintang sun encircled by two sprays of flowers. The reverse has an inscription. The ribbon which was made made in Japan, is 37mm watered of equal purple/white/red/white/purple. JWP I believe that Mister Peterson was faced with a dilemma. Are these truly Chinese medals, or are they Japanese medals that were given to the Chinese by the Japanese Occupational authorities? What is the answer?

Please be careful as the image looks like it may be a copy of the Japanese "Order of Glory" (Tung Guang Xun Chang) which was established by the Japanese Occupation Forces 14 March 1943. Best Regards, Richard

I am sorry but I have never seen this medal before. Could you please tell me the country of origin and the approximate date? Thank You, Richard

The law relating to this is probably the National Protection of Cultural Treasures law, that was passed some years ago. This may explain the huge numbers of 'reproductions' and 'restrikes' that are entering the medal trade and also explain their 'legitimacy' in such venues as the larger auction houses as well as on eBay. However, I would assume that a Chinese citizen is able to purchase items such as the Most Precious Golden Grain 多數珍貴的金黃五穀 as well as the Striped Tiger (Wen Hu Xun Chang) for his own private collection provided that it remains in country. So you should be able to purchase these medals but not be allowed to export them. This should be a warning to all collectors that are considering purchasing Chinese medals that are originating from within China, they are not original cultural treasures and probably are suspect. I would appreciate any comments both pro and con regarding this issue. I have also posted my comments on the OMSA web site.

Alex: Thanks for sharing that information and you are 100% correct on items 105 -109. However I would go slowly and carefully in your response to them. They are a very respected house and I have purchased items from them in the past with no complaints. I am surprised that they would put these items in their catalog but if you have noticed all five of these have an entry price that is ridiculously low (300 Euros) and they do state that they are restrikes. Richard

This item appears to be in the middle of a bidding war. It is listed as a Grand Cordon First Class but the seller fails to mention that it is missing the Breast Badge. It seems that the only items being sold are the Grand Cordon sash and the sash badge. There is no case and no Breast Badge. The bidding at this time is $2,402.00. There are 25 bidders.

Thanks for your input, I wasn't thinking about its off road capabilities as much as about taking all of my 10 grandchildren out at the same time. Is it true that this vehicle has only a twocylinder engine but consumes approx 15 mpg?

Thanks Chris.

Hi! As I am not at all familiar with this type of military vehicle I thought I might check out our website here and see if anyone has any 'words of wisdom' pertaining to this unusual vehicle. I know the U.S. Marine Corps was evaluating this vehicle a while back, but I could not find any results of this evaluation. If anyone has any pros or cons on this buggy I would sure like to hear them. A 1974 model (7104) was listed for sale in Ohio for $7,800.00. This one is currently listed on Craig's list: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1956630410.html Thanks for reading this, Richard

I have an M151A2 Jeep with sporadic firing problems that I attribute to a faulty coil in the distributor or possibly the breaker points. Would this be a good time to convert to a solid state ignition and if so, what are some of the best approaches to doing this? Thanks for your time. Richard

In any event they look great! Thanks for sharing. Dick

Hi Alex! Excellent call. Richard