Japan Red Cross Relief Commemorative Medal 1904-05 and its Suspensions

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Variation 2 (enameled Red Cross with the clip)

Edited September 5, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Variation 3 (stuffed Red Cross with retainer)

This one is really rare and very interesting.

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Three variants of attachment together

[Dieter3]

One might occasionally find them in these boxes as well, but one finds all kinds of badges in medals in this "generic" commemorative box. I think the paper ones are proper!

[JapanX]

One might occasionally find them in these boxes as well, but one finds all kinds of badges in medals in this "generic" commemorative box. I think the paper ones are proper!

This "general" box for all types of badges

Very often it was used as replacement box, but could be original for some badges too ...

[JapanX]

Very interesting (and still unanswered) is the question about who and how got these suspensions.

Some say that red cross was special suspension for medical personnel ...

Others say that all types suspensions could be freely purchased from manufacturers ...

[Dieter3]

Mystery# 2,743 an counting....... :lol:

[JapanX]

Mystery# 2,743 an counting.......

Only 2,738 by my count :whistle:

Edited September 5, 2012 by JapanX

[Dieter3]

Variation 3 (stuffed Red Cross with retainer)

This one is really rare and very interesting.

Now I understand what you meant by "stuffed" - not enamel! Is this variation always without enamel?

[JapanX]

Now I understand what you meant by "stuffed" - not enamel!

For clarification

Made of cloth / stuff [of textile fabric] (before noun)

Guess "stuffed" sounds more like "packed"?

Is this variation always without enamel?

Yep.

At least all three pieces that I saw and one that I own :)

[Dieter3]

Here's a few more of that 3rd variant, close ups of the cross - kinda get the feeling of the textile material, and the two-piece construction of the metal portion. I very much doubt the case is original, but the time period I believe fits the medal. Still, can't help but wonder if maybe these were available for purchase through such places? Hmmmm......

[Dieter3]

[Dieter3]

Label on bottom of case:

[JapanX]

Nice!

As for the box ... Looks really cool

Mine piece came with usual yellow cardboard box.

I'll try to track this furry cross down and scan it :)

Edited September 8, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Found it! ;)

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Furry beauty ...

[JapanX]