GeorgeCL

Hi Chris, I think its called japan paper, something like rice paper. Non acid. Its applied with a conservertor glue and placed in a Vacuum frame to set up. We can get stuff like that at several art stores in the states. Not sure if you can find the same in germany. George

Hi Dick, Yash has seen my album and helped id lots of the photos of Harbin for me. He was there the same time as my grandparents and my father was born there as well. Thanks again for your help. George

Thanks Dick, here's the only other photo I can find with thJapanese soilder. He is wearing a lighter colored uniform and the tabs are quite dark. Red? A much more casual photo. Child in front is Gleb and behind him is his Mother My GGrandmother. Masao Hisamitsu may have been a family friend..My GGrandparents had business contacts in Japan before the revolution 1918. They only lived in Chita for 2 yrs. 1919 1920 then moved to Harbin. Thanks George

Heres another old picture. This Japanese officer was meeting with My Grandmothers first husband in 1925-29 era. They were in Harbin Manchuria at the time. Can you tell me whats the rank of the japanese officer? Thanks George I will also try to get a better scan tonight.

Heres abetter scan of the strap. Looks like 3 gold stars. So this is a senior sergeant? . Thanks George

Thanks for the info Paul and MJ. I will try and get a better scan of the board to figure his rank. Are there any good books about the Japanese in Russia at the time of the civil war. I have tried gauntlet press etc. but I guess its a pretty obscure part of history. Thanks again. George

The reverse of photo George

Heres an interesting photo taken in Chita 1919 during the Russian civil war. The two Russian kids are my Great Uncles Boris and Gleb. The japanese soilders name is, I think Masao Hisamito. Can anyone help with the japanese rank? I understand there was a force of 75000 japanese in Chita helping the Whites fight. Thanks George

I received one of these in gold finish in 1980 from my aunt in Germany. She got it at a flea market there. George

Hi Chuck, Yes a flea market and late in the day at that. My brother told me about it. So I took a chance it was still there and it was. The dealer already packed up because of the heat so I got it at a discount $100.00 I hope someone here could tell me more about the silver finish. Not really my area of study but I always liked edged weapons. George

Heres a link to the shashka I picked up this past weekend. Any info would be helpful. Thanks George http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=19156

Thanks Chuck, I have wanted one of these for years. Never could find one at a decent price. Cant wait to see your early aviation items. Great stuff George

drag other fittings George

bayonet bayo lower fitting

some close ups.

Heres a piece I picked up this weekend at the flea market. I like Imperial russian swords etc. but this is out of my area of collecting. No other markings than the A. 43. Fittings are steel and nickle plated. all fitting show even wear. I remember reading somewhere that these were carried by special police? Thanks for looking George

pics

some more pics.

Things have been slow out there, So heres my newest, Just in today. Silver Niello Kinjal. No markings. Nice shape i'm guessing 1890-1900's. My first one so I dont have much info on these. An ebay sleeper.. Thanks George

Just guessing. Maybe italian? George

Hi Mark, The new scans of the order dont help much. But the one showing the reverse enamel edge view concerns me. The enamel center look applied to the top instead of under the gold ring. I would stay away from this one and look for a nice 56 gold version. George

Hi Mark, I think the seller was misinformed about the "Garnet" arms Its just the very dark enamel, sometimes referred to as black. But is just a deep dark red. Most of the fine order and award makers of europe made Russian and there own. Could be French post war.. Emigre issue 1920's 30's . Made as a replacement. So it could still be gold just not marked. But would sell at a fraction of the amount.. I would guess well below $1000.00. George

revers showing loop.. P.S. this one sold for $4700.00 + George

Heres a couple pics of one that just sold on ebay.. 1880's of earlier.. Gold mark and bumps.

Sounds like a 3rd class order. St anna's pre 1917 were made of solid gold only. Should be marked on loop or under enamel. If made 1918 and after should be gilt bronz. But russian pieces are always marked with maker under enamel. It could be a foreign made piece.. Arms look abit short, and the loop does not have the reinforcement bumps on either side. I dont have one to show, but there should be some of Chucks posted in the forum. St. Anna in gold should run approx. 3500.00 without swords. Rusian Made. This one I dont know. Looks odd. Much better pics needed. george