Japan, Manchukuo. An Order of the Auspicious Clouds, III Class

(Ta Hsan Wei Lan Hua Chang). Instituted on March 1 1934 by Emperor Kang Teh of Manchuria. A Neck Badge, in silver gilt, a four point star with clusters of three rays, the central enamelled in white with each flanking ray in yellow, between each cluster of rays sits a blue enamelled cloud and the space below enamelled in black, the obverse medallion with a central yellow field encircled by a red ring, the badge is suspended by an Imperial orchid crest with the petals enamelled yellow, the reverse of the badge is plain with one central rivet, and the reverse of the suspension presents characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, measures 62.10 mm (w) x 94.80 mm (h – inclusive of suspension), weighs 74.8 grams, worn on an incorrect neck ribbon, enamels intact, very minor gilt wear, remains in near mint condition.