Japan, Empire. A China Incident War Medal

(Sina jihen jugun kisho). Instituted in 1939. In bronze, measuring 30 mm in diameter, original ribbon with hook and eye, very light contact and spotting, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, wooden-framed, silvered characters on the lid, black felt recessed medal bed, the lid's exterior exhibiting light wear, especially along the hinged area, case very fine.

Footnote: The China Incident Medal was created by Imperial Edit No. 496 on July 27, 1939 and awarded for service in China at any time from the 12th through the 20th years of the Shōwa period (Shōwa 12-20 = 1937-1945). The decoration was abolished in 1946 by government ordinance No. 177, after Japan's surrender in 1945 following the Second World War.