Japan German medal bar with 8th Class Sacred Treasure

[JapanX]

Let`s start with the ribbon.

Colors of the ribbon of Showa piece (late 20s/30s) shoud look like this

[JapanX]

Obviously our piece have completely different coloring

[JapanX]

As we know earlier ribbons (Meiji/early Taisho) for sacred treasure order have more rich colors.

Like this one

Or this one

Edited November 27, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

But I think it`s obvious that ribbon of our piece has nothing to do with these examples

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I checked all my ribbons and all ribbons in my scanatheca (a few thousands pieces) - this ribbon has unique, atypical coloring and moire pattern.

That`s why I think that this could be not "an early" ribbon, but simply ribbon that was "made outside Japan".

Edited November 27, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Interesting, that usually ribbons for sacred treasure that was made in Germany have more close coloring to the original.

Like this ribbon (from 4th class sacred treasure that was issued in 1899 to German officer)

[JapanX]

Now about the most tricky question - dating of sacred treasures in two lower classes.

Collector could use two more or less stable features

• Form of kanji on reverse

• Form of central mirror on obverse

Let`s start with the reverse

Meiji / Meiji-Taisho / Showa

[JapanX]

Differences in the script are obvious

[JapanX]

Now about form of central mirror.

General rule will be "the bigger and less figured central mirror, the older the piece and vice versa"

Meiji / Meiji-Taisho / Showa

[JapanX]

Closer

[JapanX]

See how close central mirrors of late Meiji/eraly Taisho and Showa pieces?

That`s why I am not so sure that this piece came from Showa epoch...

See for yourself

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[JapanX]

Now this previosly mentioned British medal bar with 7th class sacred treasure.

According to London Gazette Private George Charles Hogbin (1st Battalion, Scots Guards) was awarded with 7th Class on July 21, 1919.

[JapanX]

7th class?!

I would never say (at least by this picture)

[JapanX]

Let`s compare it with our piece

Edited November 27, 2013 by JapanX

[JapanX]

Looks like piece in the German bar has slightly more figured mirror