Japan Table medal for 24th Prime Minister

[JapanX]

We all familiar with 1900 War Medal design

On obverse we see Imperial Ho-o bird + mum crest

Reverse bears inscription “Imperial Japan, Meiji 33”

[JapanX]

According to the medal statute it was awarded to those who participated in battle (including those who were stationed in the combat area, attached to the military forces and performed work for the Army and Navy, medical and transport personnel). So naturally japanese diplomats do not receive this medal. But they receive something else.

At least one of them

[JapanX]

Please meet Count Katō Takaaki – 24^th Prime Minister of Japan from 11 June 1924 to 28 January 1926 and in 1900 (!!!) Foreign Minister of Japan directly involved with the negotiations between the "eight countries"

For a short bio see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kat%C5%8D_Takaaki

[JapanX]

A couple of additional photos

I wonder how this sash is holding on

[JapanX]

Thanks to our colleague Pieter ( ) we have an opportunity to examine very interesting table medal (madallion) that was in possession Katō Takaaki.

Obverse

Edited October 22, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Reverse

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Nice thickness

[JapanX]

Obviously design of this medallion = design of original medal

Edited October 22, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

What is this medallion?

Some kind special award (memento?) for high-ranking officials that weren`t qualified for original medal?

Or maybe it was something else?

[JapanX]

For his envolment in Boxer Rebellion Katō Takaaki also received 1st class Sacred Treasure.

Guess today is our lucky day (thanks to Pieter )

Here it is.

Document

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Set

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Badge

Breast star

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If you have any additional information about this interesting medallion, please share it with us!

Cheers,

Nick

[JapanX]

While this medallion of Katō Takaaki is still a mystery - more info is known about other important and super rare medallion that was issued in connection with Boxer Rebellion.

I am talking about infamous 1902 Tientsin Provisional Government large gold medal.

It is believed that no more than 12 such medallions were struck in gold.

Some medallions are named (by their recipient?) on the edge - others bear no inscription.

Here we have a nice example of such medallion (Baldwin auction)

[JapanX]

[JapanX]

This medal was designed by J. Chevt (and bears its initials J.C. on reverse) and manufactured be famous japanese jeweller Tenshodo.

All medals were struck in gold (18 carat) and has following characteristics

Diameter 52mm

Weight 97/97.5 g

The edge impressed with two marks "K18" and TENSHODO"

Edited November 23, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

On obverse we see flags of the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, France, Italy, Japan and Russia, bound with a ribbon bearing the motto "Pax labor" + legend "Gouvernement Provisoire du District de Tientsin" in french around.

This " Gouvernement Provisoire du District de Tientsin"/"Provisional local government" was established shortly after the capture of Tientsin in July 1900, initially with a three-person committee consisting of representatives from Russia, the United Kingdom and Japan, and shortly afterwards augmented by another four representatives from the United States, Germany, France and Italy. Officially called "T’ienchin Tutung Yamen", this provisional government exercised military control over Tientsin, Chinghai, Ningho and some other regions, with a force of some 900 men under their direct control. This Tutung Yamen ended in August 1902 when the Qing government formally took over control of Tientsin.

[JapanX]

Another rarity (it was sold recently in England for £9500)

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Marks

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Inscription on edge reads "Mons le Capitaine Ducat Chef du 4ieme District"