Manchukuo, Japanese Occupation. A National Foundation Merit Medal

Instituted in 1933. In blackened bronze, measuring 30 mm in diameter, light contact, original ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, balsa wood frame, black lacquer finish, gilt characters on the lid, with three characters hand-carved into the lid over the top five gilt characters, white felt recessed medal bed, edge wear on the exterior, case very fine.

Footnote: The National Foundation Merit Medal was instituted on March 1, 1933, to acknowledge those who had been instrumental in establishing the new "independent" Great Manchu State. In 1934, it became the "Great Manchu Empire" and this medal was thus the first and last decoration of the Japanese puppet Independent State of Manchukuo.