Dating Japanese awards

[Grant Broadhurst]

Hi Ed ,

Thanks for the tip

Hope you had some good hunting at the SOS

Grant

[Eric Doody]

Grant,

I picked up some more tidbits of information regarding Japanese orders and medals at the Show of Shows in Louisville, Kentucky last week. Specifically, a paper order box is older than a lacquer order box; silver colored kanji on an order box is older than gold colored kanji; campaign medals are not being reproduced; and the number of rivets on the backside of some of the higher orders were either reduced and/or eliminated sometime after World War II.

Eric

[emaroli]

According to the Peterson book the enamel on pre 1910 orders is sunken and not pure white. He says it is yellowish but I have a pre 1910 3rd rising sun were the enamel is a little grayish. Also the pre 1910 Rising suns have wider grooves between the rays.

Peterson also states that pre 1910 Sacred Treasures have opaque orange-red jewels. He also states " The first badges had a mirror of rounded triangular points". Later badges had " the mirror with petal-shaped points". And " The present badges have a very rounded mirror with petal-shaped edges". I am definately noticing the mirrors more pronouned petals on the present day orders. Does any one else see this?
Ed Maroli

[emaroli]

Check out this site I found. http://www8.cao.go.jp/english/decoration/index.htmlIts an official Japanese goverment site. Note the Sacred treasures with the paulonia leaves?
Ed

[Eric Doody]

Ed,

Thanks for the information.

Peterson's book is the best reference book out there that I am aware of. However, I think the best way to learn about orders, medals, and/or awards, is to handle as many of them as you can and to talk to those folks that have the experience.

I know this thread has been a good one for me. If anyone else can add to this subject, please feel free to chip in.

Eric

[emaroli]

I have heard that they have abolished the 7th and 8th classes of the Rising Sun and the Sacred Treasure. Does anyone else know about this?


Ed Maroli

[emaroli]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...520017034&rd=1

This is an original pre 1940 and most likely older 6th rising sun. It does not have the shortened arms making it a pre 1940 type. Also note the sunken rays of the white enamel and the gap between the arms. According to the Peterson book this would be pre 1910 style though I imagine that the old stock would have been used up first. Plus I don't know how accurate the pre 1910 date is? See how the Kanji is more round than square.
Ed Maroli