Japan, Empire. A Hokkaido District Badge For The China Incident

In frosted silver with a gilt star and helmet, hallmarked on the reverse, obverse illustrating a dove flying above a Japanese Army helmet bearing a star, the latter with a representation of the Great Wall of China in the background, three swirls in the sky, along with three projectiles aiming for the wall, reverse with a two line inscription in Japanese stating "China Incident Dying for One's Country Badge, Hokkaido District", measuring 33.5 mm (w) x 48 mm (h) inclusive of its star and integral ring, suspended from silver gilt hanger with pinback, edge nicks, contact marks, very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, manufacturer's label affixed to the bottom, marked in Japanese on the inside lid, base in light blue felt with a recessed medal bed, measuring 71 mm (w) x 95 mm (h) x 21 mm (d), lightly soiled on the exterior, case very fine. Encased in its cardboard box of issue, inscribed in Japanese on the lid, manufacturer's label affixed to the underside of the lid, the exterior soiled, accompanied by a 55 mm (w) x 80 mm (h) multi-coloured information card in Japanese.

Footnote: Hokkaido is the northern island of Japan and it is possible that this was an unofficial badge worn by the next of kin of soldiers killed in the China Incident.