Dieter3

Well, it's not the greatest example, but it could be worse! Medal itself is not too bad; some soiling and small abrasions. Unfortunately, the case is missing the latch. I hope to acquire a nicer specimen at some point!

And this one is for Nick!

Fairly decent piece. I find it interesting that the post-war Bakelite cases were at some point abandoned and replaced with lacquer cases. These seem very similar to the cases for the 2003+ Sacred Treasures. Clutch-type lapel button. Maybe it's just me, but these later pieces just don't seem as nice as earlier awards. Don't know, just something about them.

Here is one in my photo collection - this is a Sacred Treasure "Gold Rays with Rosette" - it's awfully tiny, but the code is "D5"

Excellent!!! Looks to be in really nice condition. I love these, especially the blueness of the ribbons, and the paulownia like you pointed out. I think this is true of the majority of these - just the mark on the reverse of the paulownia suspension - BUT - I have seen one (Silver Rays) - that had NO MARKS on the suspension, so they could have been somewhere else that was not shown in the photos. You've got my marks from the one example of the silver rays, but no document to put a year to that. I hope to have pics. up this weekend - I got a late issue 7th Class Sacred Treasure with a mark on the suspension ball, but my eyes can't read it bare, I've gotta magnify it, so stay tuned for that one for your database!! ;)

Excellent info! Thank you! I think 2003 would have been when the size changed - the new Sacred Teasures are definitely smaller - but the the slightly older ones like in the photo above is not a small one, just has the clutch. So these must have been the immediate predecessors, no earlier than perhaps 1992! (unless they were mixing two types in same years, but I doubt it.) Na, can't date the Red Cross ones this way either! You see the same medals in the modern cases with either type of button. Good chance they followed a similar timeline.

Hi Paul, Thank you for sharing that. I look forward to seeing it!!

I'm very interested to know! Something else I'm wondering about, and maybe he can tell us - or somebody else too - I've seen lapel rosettes in the small boxes and I've wondered if this how they are given to the recipient, or if the boxes were replacement rosettes? I mean, do the rosettes simply get stuffed into the presentation case, because they usually are a poor fit for this!!

And here is another question pertaining to dates: When was the move from this style of lapel button: to this style: http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_03_2012/post-6375-0-35600100-1331758400.jpg???? My guess is that this occurred in the late 80's to early 90's - anybody have medals and docs to narrow this down?

I take it you disagree..... :lol:

I think this is getting close! But one of the biug questions - when was the plain reverse first introduced???

That is the first thought about rich folks donating money (and that is part of it of course) - but I'm wondering if their is distinguishing between this kind of giving or volunteering vs. (at least) my percerption of phlanthropy which is much more broad and in some significant part dedicated to the arts and sciences. Then again, I may just be confused in my meanings of things. Will certainly try! I've got a bunch of documents that I'm going to try and photograph this upcoming weekend time allowing - they are currently being pressed to flatten them down and this one is in that stack. Stay tuned!!!

Hi Rich, Thanks for those translations! I just don't know that the English word "philanthropy" suits it best. It might, but I've been looking for a better term to describe it! Certainly this could be one form of such but I think the English term extends well beyond this meaning. Still, it will do for now, eh?? I have a document, that if being read properly, strongly suggests these to be a women's only items. Emphasis on being read/translated properly!! ;)

3rd:

2nd:

Finally - I've managed to get one of each class. I've seen these referred to as philanthropic badges, but I'm not sure of their actual purpose. From what I've learned though they seem to be exclusively for women. These are neat little badges, I realy like them. They seem fairly uncommon, though they all show up from time to time, the 3rd being the most common, naturally! 1st:

Thanks Paul! Any idea on the actual number that may have been made?

AH!! The question of the hour!! - Post-1956 - I'm guessing late 50's to early/mid 60s??

Congratulations!! May I ask - how was it that you came to be awarded the Order? If it is private matter I certainly understand, no response needed! ;)

You also find these with paper labels:

And here is another - notice the slight difference in the kanji on the lid? All aluminum construction (medallion and clasp). The lapel rosettes you find with these particular medals all seem to have the pin attachment and a low profile, women's and men's both.