JapanX

Now 2nd class.

Looks nice ain`t it?

Sacred treasures Boxes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th classes have paulownia leafs at the box lid and inscription at the back of the box cover. 4th, 5th and 6th classes have one paulownia leaf at the box lid with inscription under. Let`s examine this 1st class

“For whom” these boxes were intended is quite clear. When these boxes were used? This is really interesting question. The exact time bounds are not known to me (as well as original regulation for these boxes). The lower time bound (and quite realistic one) is 1875/1876. Without any doubt these boxes were in use since November 1888. The upper time bound is late 20s. Definitely these boxes were in use (at least) until November 1921. So the proven time interval (as will be demonstrated a little bit later) is 1888-1921. Now let see these treasures

Sometimes japanese orders can be found in these beautiful and unusual “boxes with tassels”. These are Tamatebako Miyake – Boxes for Court Nobles. They are also known (in the West) as “boxes for foreigners” or “diplomatic boxes”. “Boxes for foreigners” is an inaccurate name for these beauties and “diplomatic boxes” is simply a wrong one. Why? These are not “boxes for foreigners” because members of Imperial House also got their orders in these boxes (as well as “foreigners”). They are not “diplomatic boxes” since all foreigners got their orders in such boxes (diplomats, military men, ministers, professors, etc.)

Gorgeous Captain!

Thanks to our russian colleagues we have an opportunity to examine these two exellent photos. Another cavalier of "foundation" medal

Lieutenant General Yasuyo Yamasaki and his "foundation" medal

Rich, I misread this question. Sorry. Yes, of course wiki page is wrong - St. Alexander Nevsky was awarded to foreigners as well. To a very very high ranking foreigners Super nice German and French orders! :cheers:

To a very very high ranking "russian citizens" Rich! Not unique, but definitely much more rare than St. Anna and more rare than White Eagle. But in this condition (tell you the truth I don't think that our hero wore it much ) and with this attribution - pretty close to unique

This one simply priceless! Order of St. Alexander Nevsky 1st class. Ordinary version of the order is a rarity... And here we have "non-Christian" version in mint condition ...

Another russian order of his is Order of the White Eagle. Naturally version for non-Christians. For more info (including original doc issued for Japanese and another set) go here http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/54861-pro-fide-lege-et-rege-imperial-russia-order-of-the-white-eagle/