China, Manchukuo, Japanese Occupation. An Order of the Auspicious Clouds, II Class, c.1940

(幸先の良い雲の秩). Instituted 1934 by Imperial Edict. 1934-1945 Issue. Produced by the Japanese Mint. In silver gilt composing of a four-armed cross with white and yellow enameled rays, with enameled blue auspicious clouds in each quadrant, surmounting by a partially enameled yellow imperial symbol of the Orchid blossom in silver gilt, obverse centre exhibiting an enameled yellow and red rising sun, with plain reverse featuring Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, 62.2 mm (w) x 91 mm (h - inclusive of its Imperial orchid suspension), with original neck ribbon, near extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order in silver gilt, consisting of an eight-pointed faceted star with superposed enameled yellow, white, blue, and red insignia of the order also in silver gilt, reverse with vertical pin assembly flanked by two stays on each side, exhibiting central Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 88 mm (w) x 89.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays. Intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, the case with a balsa wood frame, black lacquer finish, marked on the lid, the inside of the lid lined in purple satin and padded, raised platform with recessed purple velvet medal bed, light scuffing on the exterior, case near extremely fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.