JapanX

Saw this one too No screws on reverse :lol:

This is definitely privatly commisioned piece. Looks like this piece is made in silver Never saw this mark before ...

Now we really need the photo of early Hirato Rising Sun Order with Paulownia leaf directly fixed to the Sun These are quaisi rare ... All we have is black and white photo of such piece in Peterson book (3rd edition, p. 25) I don`t know why Peterson thought that this direct fixation was the execlusive feature of 3rd class... All earlie Hirato pieces (from 1st to 6th class) have these feature. Cheers, Nick

Reverse close up (same style of inscription!!!)

Obverse close up

Interestingly, many years ago I saw the similar veteran tie but with pin in the form of Submarine badge!!! (by the way, seller described it as "Japanese Naval submarine school merit badge"... Presumably ) Here it is

Details

Reverse

This one was sold recently at eBay for almost $200 I wonder how much the original Otsu could cost nowadays ... Here comes one of mine Obverse

Reverse inscription

Thinkness

Take a look at this gorgeous veteran tie with pin in the form of Otsu badge.

Close up

Take a good look at the ribbon rosette (obviously it was added lately). Different (later than 5th class that we saw before) workmanship.

Take a look at this very interesting 4th class rising sun order that also was made be Hirato workshop (together with cavalier photo ) Boxes

Completely agree! I wish

Thanks Chris!

Yep, the badge indeed bears police emblem and patina inside letters on reverse looks convincing. Although I would expect more elaborate handwriting As for the story - it came from the seller site together with the asking price ... $2000