JapanX

On second thought for this permission doc they used engraving design of the 1874 War Medal document! See for yourself http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/55001-1874-war-medal-close-look/page-2 I think since is was simply a permission doc they decided to use the design of the first (and the only one at the time of introduction of this practice) medal and not the order.

Sorry Christoph, but these are the only photos I found. Regards, Nick

A short note from Russian newspaper "Russian Word", December, 30, 1904 (January 12, 1905 by the new style) BERLIN, December, 29, 1904 (January 11) Emperor Wilhelm awarded generals Stessel and Nogi with order "pour le merite" in token of their bravery and heroism during Port Arthur siege. Emperor made a request by telegraph to His Emperor Majesty and mikado asking them to give their consent to this awarding. БЕРЛИН, 29-го декабря, 1904 (11-го января) Император Вильгельм пожаловал генералам Стесселю и Ноги в знак внимания к их храбрости и героизму во время осады Порт-Артура орден "pour le merite" ("За заслуги"). Император обратился по телеграфу к Государю Императору и микадо с просьбой дать согласие на это пожалование.

Yes, I think you are right. In 1882 Japanese awarding system was only 7 years old with only three orders (Rising Sun, Rising Sun with Pawlonia Leaves and Chrysanthemum) and three medals (Taiwan, Constitution and "Cannon") ... In case of this Anna document they used standard engraving for early rising sun docs. The only thing that was left to do - to change the order decal Unbelievable doc...

That's is something UNREAL! Specially created japanese doc for russian order! Usually there is only permission to wear ...

All imperial Russian orders had two versions "for Christians" and ”for non-Christians". The only difference between these two is central tablet. That's how normal "for Christians" version of St.Anna looks like https://d2mpxrrcad19ou.cloudfront.net/item_images/273696/7366772_fullsize.jpg Sorry Rich, no special treatment for pagans. They will be classified as non-Christians :)

Order of St.Anna 1class. Version for non-Christians.

A real tragedy ...

That's why http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Port_Arthur

Sweet!

With the son and Pour le mérite...

In January 1905 Kaiser awarded japanese general Nogi and russian general Stessel with Pour le mérite. Both for Port Arthur ...

Usual signs of "probing for gold" ...

Kicking the original... to the forefront. This 1st Slava was issued for Koshkin N.E. He got it for Kustrin (31.5.45) Destroyed a pillbox, killed "a lot" of Germans, was wounded twice but remained in the ranks.

Enamel on the lower ray was destroyed ...

Order #2

New design (on medal bar)

The real pieces