Japan, Empire. A 2600th National Anniversary Medal 1940, Cased with Award Document

(建国2600周年記念メダル / Kenkoku 2600 shūnenkinen medaru). Instituted in 1940. Medal in bronze gilt, measuring 30.5 mm in width x 36.5 mm in height, light contact and spotting overall, on its original ribbon with hook and eye, better than very fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, Japanese characters in silver-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in navy blue with a thatched-look, base with a recessed medal bed in dark yellow felt, the case measuring 61 mm in height x 111 mm in width x 18.8 mm in depth, exhibiting scuffing and wear evident on the exterior; accompanied by its Award Document, printed in black and red inks, on a thin off-white paper stock, dated 1940, illustrating the Imperial Seal of Japan in the centre along the top edge and framed within a floral wreath, the 2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal in the centre along the bottom edge and framed within a wreath of clouds, the text framed within a unique border of pillars and swirls, measuring 420 mm in width x 297 mm in height, rolled, exhibiting three vertical fold marks. Case and Award Document fine.  

 

Footnote: The 2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal was instituted on July 27, 1940 and awarded to those involved in organizing, conducting or participating in the celebrations in November 1940 of the 2600th anniversary of the founding of the Japanese Empire by the legendary Jimmu Tenno in the year 600 BC.