Color of inscription

[taquito22]

Hello,

Can anyone explain why some lacquer boxes have the inscription in gold while others are in silver? Thanks

[Paul L Murphy]

The silver inscriptions were from the China Incident and WWII era. I understand that it was cheaper and quicker to produce the inscription in a silver colour rather than the normal gold colour. I believe it also used less chemicals in the manufacturing process, which would have been a factor for a country on a war footing.

[taquito22]

thanks for the info. So if the inscription is gold, it could have been before the China Incident OR after WW2?

[Paul L Murphy]

thanks for the info. So if the inscription is gold, it could have been before the China Incident OR after WW2?

That is correct. If you post a photo of the inscription I can try and advise which it is.

[taquito22]

Thanks

Here is a photo...from left to right:

6th class rising sun

6th class sacred treasure.

7th class golden kite

I am new to collecting and appreciate your help.

Edited February 17, 2010 by taquito22

[Paul L Murphy]

The left hand case and middle case both have Showa era inscriptions, both of them appear to be pre 1940. The right hand case for the Golden Kite is harder to tell but might be earlier, ie Meiji or Taisho.

[Brian Wolfe]

Hello taquito22,

Any chance of posting the medals that reside in these cases?

Regards

Brian