Army breast badge - what is it?

[MikeB]

Army breast badge....

Based on what I see, the breast badge is not a legitimate Order of the Rising Sun Breast Star. It corresponds to the lesser quality badges coming from China. I have never seen an authentic Rising Sun Breast Star with this kind of fastening bar on the reverse. The Rising Sun in this grade was (is) a high quality award that should scream of quality. Also, the enamel work on this award looks poorer than that on an ORS and I have problems with the center cabachon in the red center. It is simply different than those seen on the Rising Sun. I would suggest this is not an ORS award. If you want to see some good ones, go to www.liverpoolmedals.com Search "foreign medals-awards/Japan" and take a look. Here are the numbers of some awards listed....L13331, L2497, and L14677. The last reference shows great images of the front and reverse.
As for cupman's auctions, I have purchased things from him over the years. I used to bid with confidence more in the past than I do now. You should be careful..... Mike

[plmurphy]

The badge is original but it is a badge for the leader of a Civil Defense group and has nothing to do with the military or with any of the government issued orders such as the Rising Sun. The rank badges are copies in my opinion (Nakata makes similar copies with the white metal stars and the edge bullion which does not reach the ends of the badge), the order of the medal ribbons is incorrect and it would not have been possible for someone to reach general rank and only have this combination of awards (there are some commemorative ribbons such as the Showa Enthronement Medal missing).

Seki is a very common Japanese name.

In my opinion this is a made up group.

Regards,

Paul

[Nick Komiya]

The reverse of the badge reads "Chief of Fire Brigade Corps Merit Award ", a badge presented by the chief.

[nonameno]

Hello Gentlemen,
I thank you of you who took the time and energy to post responses to this thread. You have been a tremendous help to me. The seller of this grouping (Cupman3 on eBay - Joseph Marino of Tulsa, OK) refused to accept a return. I filed a claim with eBay and further through PayPal. We both stated our claims and then waited for PayPal to make their decision in arbitration. I just received word from PayPal that they have decided in my favor, so I am shipping the uniform back today. Hopefully, PayPal will then refund my money (over $1100!).
Thank you again and best wishes,
Curtiss Shattuck

[Jareth]

Congratulations Curtiss! I'm very happy for you!