Sacred Treasure Merit Medal

[duffer_jones]

How does this medal look?? Is this a pre-1945 medal? These are the only pics I have.

http://img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6c1b5ar.jpg
http://img363.imageshack.us/my.php?image=701b2px.jpg
http://img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cf1b8za.jpg
http://img367.imageshack.us/my.php?image=151b5pd.jpg

[Doug See]

From what little I've learned about Japanese medals lately, the rivets on the back of this type indicate it's WW2 or earlier. Also, the case being wooden, with the closing latch like yours is another indication of it being wartime or earlier. As a general rule, the late war or post war medals (Sacred Treasures, Rising Suns, etc.) were usually sold in black plastic cases. Beautiful set. I've really developed an appreciation for Japanese medals lately. Compared to the recent ridiculous prices of zinc German medals, for less than around $200, you can pick up a very nice Japanese piece with great workmanship, silver materials, and a case. With no worries (yet) of it being a fake. Hope that helps. I'm sure there are a lot of people on this forum with a lot more knowledge than me..

[duffer_jones]

Thanks Doug