Just my thoughts here-- The association 'Japan Manchuria Friendship Association' was a fairly well-known propaganda-type group probably financed by Japan. I am not sure... A quick glance over the web shows that the group sponsored soccer matches, calligraphy tournaments, etc., all in an effort to show how friendly the two nations were. The Manchukuo Film Studio even produced a propaganda film with that name. The badge in question is not exactly common, but $1000? Who paid that enormous price? I have had three of these myself and I remember selling the second one for $99 on ebay about two years ago. If only mine had been a part of a similar bidding war! The enamel work is not really deep and would probably be better described as paint. As far as I know, these are legitimate badges commissioned by a nominally private group. The workmanship appears to be Chinese or at least lower-grade Japanese work. These are a bit heavy & bulky, so I cannot imagine who would have worn one. I have never seen any suspension or ribbon with it nor have I seen a case. One would think that $1000 is better spent by investing in a Manchukuo Pillars of State medal or something of that nature... However, many people are entranced by the 'puppet empire' image and the image of a flag from a nation that no longer exists. In addition, in the relatively short history of Japan/Manchukuo relations, there seems to be a huge amount of buttons, pins, postcards, magazines, etc. that celebrate the existence of Manchukuo. Still, the pins and badges continue to fetch nice prices. Perhaps someone else on these boards can give a more authoritative answer. Cheers, Rich