JapanX

But of course all these examples cannot be compared with curiosity in post #1.

It is something special!

In conslusion I must say that even cases for 1895 medals sometimes have this redness

Instead of this

This

Both reverses together with ribbons

Let`s compare two kanji from two reverses

Reverse

You get that right!

This is specially for you

Piece on the right

Nice!

Reverse

Check out this craftsmenship!

Well, since there could be fans of early rising sun orders here are two pieces inside these cases

If even the proportions for some paint is incorrect or not enough laquer is applied to seal the color this fading can occur .

Yes!

This was exactly what I was thinking!

But what intensity of coloring has this case in post #1!!!!

Inner rim

Butt-ends

Not only case lid, but all outter surface of case has this coloring

Sides

Although under different light it looks like this

As I said mahogany

Check out this inscriptions!

Sometimes early rising sun orders can be found in perfectly black (at least at first sight they are perfectly black) lacquered cases. But sometimes they have slightly different coloring. Some mix of red and mahogany.

Luckily I have both colors

Two 8th class cases (one on the right was issued in 1889)

See what I am talking about?

Perfectly black.

So first reason for this chocolate shade could be simple burning-out of case lid

Unfortunately we don`t have pictures of box interior ...

Let`s hope owner of this set will see this thread

For now let`s assume that it is not a simple consequences of "burning-out".

But what else it can be?

Any traces of brown cases?

Actually yes, but these cases have slightly different color and came from much earlier time period.

I am talking about quadro boxes from 1880s.

Let`s hit them!

Another problem with this "hypothesis" is inner case border

Not very chocolate if you asked me

vs.