Japan, Manchukuo Occupation. An Order of the Pillars of the State, IV Class, c.1940

Instituted 1936. A silver cross in the shape of four pillars with four rectangles at each end, with a smooth gilt ray between each pillar presenting a white enamel circle at the rays’ end, and two smaller white enamel circles on either side of the base, on scroll suspension with beaded fields at edges, obverse centre presents a yellow enamelled octagon with concentric black, white, blue and red enamel rings, the exterior ring of white enamel with silver gilt dots, reverse center bears Japanese script meaning ‘Order of Merit Decoration’, measures 40mm (w) x 44mm (h - inclusive of integral suspension bar), dark patina, evident gilt wear on rays, enamels fully intact, on original ribbon with two bars in silver and white enamel with ornate designs on obverse, dark patina very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Pillars of the State was awarded between 1936 and 1945. The IV, V, VI, VII and VIII Class are determined by the number and styles of bars. The IV and V classes have white enamel on the bars, while the rest are in silver. Between 1936 and 1945, the Japanese Mint manufactured 2,034 IV Class Knights. The puppet empire lasted only thirteen years (1932-1945) and since this order was established in 1936, this medal is hard to find and is highly desirable for collectors.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.