JapanX

Another “late” star

Unfortunately there was no photo of reverse. Of course the quality of picture is very low, but I think the glassy blue enamel is visible. You don’t think so? It is doubtful? Well thanks to my friends (and our colleagues ) we have pictures (this time high quality pictures I must add) of another such “late” star. Here it is.

“Late” star

Shades of blue enamel are slightly different, but they are non-transparent… Breast star after breast star … And no signs of glassy, transparent blue enamel… I was about to give up and then suddenly man-made-miracle. The “late” one was found!!! Here it is.

Compilation

Obviously these should be allegedly “early” pieces. Actually the color of blue enamel in central octahedrons of different “early” 2nd classes varies. Here comes an interesting compilation.

Reverses

Obverses

Ok. For appetizer we will look at this two 2nd class breast stars. Typical high japanese quality. The only difference is in reverses – polished/unpolished.

Now our “explorer wish list” 1) does the only stable feature of allegedly “late-made-in-Manchukuo” pillars (glassier, transparent enamel in central octahedron) observed in two higher classes of pillars of the state? 2) how about some late auspicious clouds? Do they exist? Today we will take care about the first one. Let’s go for it!

Here is the list of our recent finds. 1) there are indeed some variations in manufacturing quality of pillars, but the only stable feature of allegedly “late-made-in-Manchukuo” pillars is more glassy, transparent enamel in central octahedron 2) indeed there was such thing as Manchukuo Mint 3) we have information that Manchukuo Mint started making orders in lower classes “on its own” no sooner than in 1943 4) we don’t have strict definition for “lower classes” 5) we know exact number of pillars and clouds manufactured by Japan Mint That’s all so far.

Ok. Let’s go back to the basics. Let’s start from the very beginning. So there were rumors. Rumors about late pillars made by Manchukuo Mint. So we were going in. To investigate. To explore this mystery.

No problem Rich! Let`s say I posted these for aesthetic reasons ;)

Yep. This kimono accessories name "thing" ... Well, not really my "thing" :)

I meant the year when "smaller ribbon with smaller oval clasp" design appeared. Of course your smaller ribbon was manufactured between 1934 and 1945. And thanks for info about the mark!

John - your assumption is absolutely correct. All japanese orders in 3rd class (sacred treasure, rising sun, golden kite) had such variation of ribbon. So naturally Manchu orders got it to. My earliest time estimate for this smaller ribbon is 1920+ Nice 3rd class by the way. I think this one marked M Cheers, Nick

Thanks for the tip John! Really nice and interesting piece :beer:

I knew I could count on you mate! Sorry about that. Of course 1958. P.S. Different medal - same dating problem :lol:

Hi Bob I believe it is TЭPГYYH - head, first, main, best... So "best master" badge. Nice group and photos by the way! Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Nick

No pressure for info of course Rich Just friendly support of Dieter thread Cheers, Nick

Close-ups of date and name

Close up of obverse (for aesthetics purposes )

Reverse

Obverse

The box