China China Republic - Catastrophe Relief Merit Order

[JapanX]

Reverse

[JapanX]

The design really rings the bell!

This badge usually (if we could apply term “usually” to this specimen, which was bought and sold with the same description couple of times ) described as “1^st Class medal for Yuguan Relief issued in 1925 (?!) by the 10th troops brigadier”. It looks like this badge was issued by the 10^th troops brigadier, Liu Yife Lui who was a secondary military officer and belonged to the force of warlord Zhang Zuolin in Manchuria.

[JapanX]

Zhang Zuolin (for more info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Zuolin)

[JapanX]

It is obvious that Yuguan badge is close relative of Shanxi Disaster Relief badge. Same disaster – different province – different warlord – slightly different design of the badge. By the way – what we’ve got here is another perfect example for this gallery

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/53158-warlord-period-decorations-some-trivial-observations-of-their-confusing-similarity/

[JapanX]

We could really use a full translation of the reverse inscription

Because I don’t think that this badge was attributed absolutely correctly.

And if it comes to that – obverse central tablet translation wanted too

Regards,

Nick

[JapanX]

Shanxi badge has at least two variations.

Ain`t it cool?

One variations has blue rays and the other white rays.

Here we have this 1st class "white rays" variation.

[JapanX]

And another one!

This one also has a white enameled rays, but this time we have reverse scan and reverse is numbered # 252.

1^st class medal with strangelooking (for republican decorations;)) central part (later replacement???)

[JapanX]

Obverse

[JapanX]

Reverse

[JapanX]

I wonder how many manufacturers were ...

Variant with "drawing" stars.

4th class.

Courtesy of Richard LaTondre, Harry Mohler Collection, Hoover Institution, Stanford University

Edited May 9, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

3rd class

[JapanX]

3rd class

[JapanX]

1st class

[drclaw]

Very interesting Nick! The number of variations make it a challenge to distinguish between real and fake.

If I was presented with that Third Class example in post #37, I'd have initially dismissed it as a reproduction. But now I'm not so sure ...

[JapanX]

If I was presented with that Third Class example in post #37, I'd have initially dismissed it as a reproduction. But now I'm not so sure ...

I think #35 and #37 were made by the same manufacturer.

And these pieces are for real ;)

[JapanX]

And now something completely different.

Same motives - different badge.

This one was probably issued in 1928 by Shandong Famine Relief Committee.

Here you see the members of this Committee.

Famine of 1928-1930 in Northern China (Shandong located on the eastern edge of North China plain) of the took away about 3 million lifes.

[JapanX]

And now something completely different.

Same motifs - different badge.

This one was probably issued in 1928 by Shandong Famine Relief Committee.

Here you see the members of this Committee.

Famine of 1928-1930 in Northern China (Shandong located on the eastern edge of North China plain) took away about 3 million lifes.

Edited May 14, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Shandong Relief Badge

[JapanX]

This one looks like blend of Merit Medal and classical Shanxi relief badge.

Very nice central medallion!

[JapanX]

Another nice specimen for our database

[JapanX]

Obverse

Reverse

[JapanX]

Nice doggy!

[JapanX]

Now something interesting (and certainly new)

[JapanX]

Replacement?

What do you think guys?

[JapanX]

Reverse (screw looks more or less untouched )