Axis Powers Anatomy of East Hebei Commemorative Medal

[JapanX]

This one really interesting (and very rare ).

East Hebei Commemorative Medal.

The only info that we have is this short note from Peterson.

Edited December 6, 2012 by JapanX

[JapanX]

+ black-and-white photo of the medal ("silver" one)

[JapanX]

No precise info about "to who and for what" (most likely for "merits connected with the foundation of new nation/state").

Why there are two versions of this medal - silver (I don`t think that it is actually silver, most likely some alloy) and bronze one - is not known either.

Well, at least we can examine these medals in every tiny detail and see how complete set looks like

We will start with the silver one

Outer box

[JapanX]

Box

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Another exellent "silver" specimen

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

Now let`s turn our attention to "bronze version"

Here comes an exellent example (thanks to DavidS we have an opportunity to examine this specimen in HQ)

Unfortunately the ribbon is replacement ...

[paul wood]

Nice, never seen one before.

Paul

[JapanX]

Nice, never seen one before.

Paul

Then I guess we can safely call it "rare"

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

The ribbon is a new one with old (familiar to us "early" type of the hook and the eye)

Here comes a comparion (the original ribbon is on the left)

[JapanX]

Originals is less (sometimes completely without ) moire.

[JapanX]

Also the thickness of the red stripes is slightly different as well as the color.

[JapanX]

The "bronze" version was made by different stamp.

[JapanX]

.