JapanX

Reverse inscription close up

Reverse

Order of merit variation 3 Slightly modified variation 1. Obverse

Comparison of reverse inscriptions Variation 1 vs. Variation 2 (on the right)

Reverse

Order of merit variation 2 Obviously this is a direct copy from japanese order of red cross (even the style of inscription on reverse is very japanese) Obverse

Reverse

Orders Well or special merit medals if you wish… Order of merit variation 1 Obverse

Commemorative medal of 1913 A very interesting medal that was issued in 1913 most likely by Fengtian branch of Red Cross. Unfortunately we have only obverse photo (and the info about the year and place of issue originates from reverse inscription). Obverse

Reverse (how you like that?! Manchu flag!!!)

It is obvious that the ribbons for this medals have pronounced characteristics of japanese ribbons and I believe that they could be manufactured in Japan (together with medals ). The only question when does this happened. When 1st variation was replaced by 2nd? Maybe 2nd variation was indeed issued by Chinese puppet governments?! In this case this variation became issued no earlier than in 1938… And another thing... Check out this specimen Obverse (exactly the same obverse as we see with previous specimens - only form of suspension is slightly different)

Another example (note the suspension ball form )

Reverse

Special member medal These are the same in design as full member medals variation 2 except they are gold gilded (at least they appear to be) and have additional hieroglyph on reverse. Obverse

Reverse

Here we have another example of this full member medal, but this time on the chain (probably owner replaced ribbon with the chain (?) ) Obverse

Reverse close up

Obverse close up

Reverse

Full member medal variation 2 A perfect example of late (?) type of full member medal (it has pronounced characteristics of japanese medals and could be manufactured in Japan). Usually the diameter of these medals is approximately 30 mm.

According to the auction house info the edge of this medal engraved “Capt. G. C. Darwall. Assistant Postal Commissioner Manchuria 1911”

Reverse

Medals Full member medal variation 1 This is the earliest piece that I saw. Obverse

Very often these rare beauties are confused with Red Cross medals and orders that were issued by Manchukuo (because of the same ribbon colors and general similarity). Sometimes they are labeled as “Red Cross medals of china puppet government”. I wonder what government they are referring to... Hubei government? Nanking government? Go figure … Well, let’s take a look at these medals and orders and discuss their variations.

Eighties or no eighties, but you are definetely on alert! :lol: