Japanese Medal (?)

[webr55]

Hello all,
can anyone tell me what this medal is? It was sold to me as a WW2 Japanese Order of the Kite, but I know too little about Japanese orders.

Regards
Chris

[webr55]

Reverse:

[webr55]

Front:

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

Hi-
This is an award for participation in the China Incident, and a fairly common medal (but nice). I have one and know where three others are -all boxed.

[Laurens Q-fin]

It was sold to me as a WW2 Japanese Order of the Kite

Hello Chris,

I have to agree with Steven on this medal. It is fairly common because every soldier was awarded such a medal when they departed for China. It commemorates the Japanese presence and acts in China from 1937 untill 1945.
I hope you didn't pay too much for it since it was presented to you as order of the golden kite .
These have seven classes with the first class being the most valuable and most expensive...
Nevertheless, your cased 'China Incident War Medal' looks very fine and I hope you enjoy it!

Cheers,
Laurens

[webr55]

Hello Laurens,
thanks, it was not too much. I somehow suspected that this wasn't the Golden Kite. I still like it.
Here is the case, BTW:

Regards
Chris

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

The case is in very nice condition-I have seen a lot of these all of a sudden recently. Until about 3 months ago, I would see them from time to time. Now, they seem to be everywhere, makes me wonder if someone stumbled upon a surplus stockpile of them? I would say a fair price would be about $40.00 or so. If you had the original printed protective paper that came with the medal, you could probably add about 10 to 15% to the price. Although common, they are still neat pieces of history, nicely struck and well-made. Enjoy.

[webr55]

Hello Steven,
almost exactly what I paid. No paper, though. But it's a nice piece.

Regards
Chris

[k1mri]

Nice looking one. I have one but not as in nice condition.