Japan, Empire. An 1874 War Medal

In silver, with the obverse depicting two paulownia flowers encircling Japanese characters which translate to “War Medal”. The reverse is also inscribed with Japanese characters translating to “Meiji 7th Year/ First Year of the Dog”. The medal is attached to its suspension with a bar with Japanese translating to “Taiwan”. The medal measures at 25 mm in diameter and weighs 19.4 grams (inclusive of suspension bar). There is a small disconnect between the suspension piece and the inscribed silver bar. It is accompanied by its period ribbon, and presented in its original case of issue, overall in better than very fine condition. 

According to the Order and Medals Society of America Third Edition of Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States written by James W. Patterson, this medal was established in 1875 for the campaign to rescue sailors who were shipwrecked on the coast of Formosa.