China, Republic. An Order Of The Striped Tiger, Iii Class Commander, C. 1915

(文虎勳章). (Wen-Hu). Instituted by President Yuan Shih-Kai on December 6, 1912. An unusually large III Class award, composed of silver with eight arms consisting of five rays representing the colours of the Chinese Republic, obverse centre with silver gilt sun burst displaying one silver star at 12 o’clock denoting a third class award, central medallion displays a large enamelled tiger at centre on a green foreground with a light blue background, reverse plain with central screw and Chinese inscription below, overall suspended by a large green enameled laurel suspension with red enamel ribbon, measuring 70.5mm (w) x 102 mm (h - inclusive of laurel suspension and horizontally pierced ring), loop presents a French silver swan hallmark (punch mark for pieces made from silver, imported from countries without trading contract to France, since 1893), with slight enamel flaking to centre medallion background, light tarnishing to silver, overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was conferred upon Chinese and foreign military personnel in recognition of meritorious service during war and peace. It became obsolete in 1928.