Japan, Empire. An Order of the Golden Kite, VII Class

Instituted in 1890. In silver, the badge shows a golden kite above crossed ancient shields with two crossed spears and banners, on original striped green ribbon, 56.2 mm (h) x 43.6 mm (w), near mint condition. In its hard-shelled case of issue, purple satin lined on the inside lid, purple velvet medal bed, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Golden Kite was established on 12 February 1890, by Emperor Meiji. It was an exclusively military award conferred for bravery, leadership, or command in battle. The order consisted of seven classes. Enlisted rank soldiers were eligible for the 7th to 5th classes, non-commissioned officers were eligible for the 6th to 4th classes, junior officers for the 5th to 3rd classes, field grade officers for the 4th to 2nd classes, and general officers for the 3rd to 1st classes. It was officially abolished by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers of Occupied Japan in 1947, after the Second World War.