The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2129:
Description
Imperial Japanese Orders & Civil Medals
Collection of Imperial Japanese decorations. A highly attractive group featuring several cased awards, each contributing a piece of historical context from the late Meiji through the Showa era. This lot is particularly strong because of the confirmed provenance provided by the original presentation boxes and their explicit inscriptions.
The collection comprises six distinct items:
1. WWII Japanese Hakko Ichiu Political Knot/Regalia: Contained in the large wooden box labeled with the Hakko Ichiu (All the World Under One Roof) slogan, this substantial braided cord and knot represents high-level political or civil service regalia from the height of the Imperial period.
2. Long Service Commendation Medal (???????): Housed in the first black clamshell case, this medal (often used by police and fire services) is a key civil award.
3. Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure, 6th Class (???): This is a magnificent example of a primary Imperial Order, housed in its black, velvet-lined clamshell case (likely the one bearing the maker’s mark). The 6th Class designation is confirmed by the kanji inscription on its case. The metal and enamel work on the order itself is excellent, with vibrant colors.
4. WWII Imperial Japanese Manchukuo Shrine Foundation Boxed Medal (?????): The medal in the bright yellow clamshell case is definitively identified as the Manchukuo National Shrine Foundation Commemorative Medal (1940), an important award related to Japanese expansionism.
5.Vintage Japanese Fireman’s Boxed Badge: A smaller, silver-toned badge, possibly police or fire service related, in a small, recessed box.
6. WWII Japanese soldier Time Expired Badge: A smaller, dark metal badge, likely an association pin from a veterans’ group (Teikoku Zaiko Gunjin Kai), housed in a separate small box.
The collection is in very good to excellent overall condition. The enamelwork on the Sacred Treasure is intact and highly lustrous. The ribbons show minor, appropriate age wear. Crucially, all major awards retain their original, explicitly labeled cases, which are in good, solid condition despite minor expected scuffing and handling marks, lending significant value to the lot. Largest case is 4”x6.5” x .75”. Smallest case is 1.5” x2”x.25”. Please see photos.
Share this lot:
