JapanX

We all know that usually pieces marked with mark M got it by the way of punching. Check out this 6th class ;)

5th class with no marks whatsoever ;)

Yes, but this propeller (only air force related japanese badges have this element in design) + the age of the badge (isn`t it too early for AAA spoters?) + design is strikingly different from all others "ground" army profficiency badges (where is "sakura shape"? All early and later badges have this basic design element). Cheers, Nick

+ two Manchukuo medals "National Foundation" and "Shrine Foundation" medals

Nanjing Government Order of United Glory

"Two in one" situation ;)

A few size comparisons

Here it is Hugh. This AAO badge that I mentioned.

This is next of kin badge that was awarded not to "wife or mother", but to the nearest next of kin (in descending order): 1) wife 2) children 3) father 4) mother 5) grandfather 6) grandmother 7) grandchildren 8) older brother 9) older sister 10) younger brother 11) younger sister I believe the inscription on the box reads "military next of kin medal" (same inscription on reverse of the badge). Best, Nick

Sold for 69 800 yens... 3rd class!!! Unbelievable ... That's what I was talking about Here comes a nice example of "old" price" (post #13 +) http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/11530-the-new-order-of-the-sacred-treasure/page__hl__+sacred%20+treasure%20+class#entry127686

I'll post tomorrow a couple of photo comparisons. This badge vs. pilot badge. This badge vs. marksmanship badge. Etc... Cheers, Nick

DIMENSION OF THE BADGE Height 43,22 mm Width 44,70 mm Weight 24,56 grams

Hi Hugh, ground-based aircraft spotter badge? Hmmm... You see the size of the badge is untypical (it is much bigger) for standard "ground" proficiency badges (i.e. artillery, marksmanship, etc ... badges) Another thing - there was special "Antiaircraft Observer Badge" that was introduced in 30s (please check fig. 187, p. 107 in Peterson, J. “Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States” 3rd edition). Best, Nick

I tell you - people have no respect for zzzuper rare, made (almost) exclusively for (merited) traitors, famous "chop your head if we'll find one on you after the end of war" medal ... I am sure pretty soon they will be whipping the cat!!! P.S. The American Humane Association monitored the animal action. No animals were harmed in the making of this post.

Could be ... Or maybe someone used after the war (for some time) rosettes from old (war time) stock... Recently I found two additional examples of orders (sacred treasures) that were lying inside the boxs with silver kanji on the lid and with rosettes marked "SU"

Nice badge Mickey! Congrats! By the way, one of these days we should talk about these classes of proficiency badges...

:cheers:

When I wrote pilot-observer I thought about "aircraft observer" of course. But then again it could be merged/combined badge ;)