Golden Kite 5th Class

[Ian Lim]

Hi

I compared this to other examples here and looking at the rivets, color and details this is a WW2 piece correct?

[Ian Lim]

side

[Ian Lim]

back

[Nick Komiya]

Yes, it's a Showa piece.
Should you later wish to pick up a matching case for it, note that the Showa case has a different inscription on the case lid. The earlier cases say simply "5th class Kinshisho" whereas the Showa cases say "5th class Kinshikunsho". Thus the earlier inscription is shorter by one character besides the often cited difference in font. The official name never changed, but early practice abbreviated the "kun". Also war time inscriptions were often silver instead of gold for economy. The correct lapel badge for the Showa model is a rosette, while the Meiji/Taisho versions had a butterfly-shaped ribbon attached to a button.

[Ian Lim]

Nick, thanks you know these little Japanese eagles very well

I took 2 more pictures and I am just amazed at the details of this 5th class, IMO better quality than most German assault badges

[Ian Lim]

last one...real close up.

[Tim B.]

Ian,

Congrats, and you got it for a sweet price IMO, considering the one prior to that went for $1125.

I thought the case that came with this one was correct and Showa period.

Tim

[Ian Lim]

Thanks Tim, yes I think I got it at a good price, didn't know the case is a match too until I read Nick's comments.

[Tim B.]

Ian,

Yes, I am trying to catch up to these higher end pieces, but still concentrating on the lower levels right now. I recently seen a cased 3rd class award (Showa) that went for $4255.00
Guess that's another one I'll never own.

Right now, I am trying to get one of each era (Meiji/Tashio/Showa) and all complete with cases and lapels devices. Time and money...

On a good note, at least they are a fraction of the cost of German pieces for now anyway.
Tim

[Ian Lim]

" Right now, I am trying to get one of each era (Meiji/Tashio/Showa) and all complete with cases and lapels devices."

Hi Tim,

My plans are exactly the same as yours above. Collectors think alike

DO you have pictures of the 3rd class? Very interested to see them! please post them here if you do.

Wonder if anyone here on the forum have a 4th class or 3rd class and above? did a search and did not find anything.

would be nice to see some close ups instead of the blurry pictures shown on some websites.

so far I have only 7th, 6th and 5th classes.

[Tim B.]

Hi Ian,

I see that you have been a bad boy today...very nice 6th class Kite you just picked up and John is always great to deal with. First class all the way IMO. Congrats!

Here's mine that just arrived today; haven't had time to sit down and take any PICS of my own just yet, but these are really nice. Thought I would tempt you while you wait for yours to show up!
Tim

[Tim B.]

Here's that 3rd class I had seen:

[Tim B.]

Only two shots I saved of it as I will never spend that kind of money on one.
Tim

[Ian Lim]

HI Tim,
Yes John is a first class dealer.

Your 6th class looks mint and the 3rd is so it is worn like a Knight's cross.

thank you for sharing.