Japan, Occupied Manchukuo. An Order of the Auspicious Clouds, I Class Grand Cordon, c.1940

(幸先の良い雲の秩). Instituted 1934 by Imperial Edict. 1934-1945 Issue. An fine Grand Cordon set consisting of a sash badge in silver gilt composing of a four-armed cross with white and yellow enameled rays, with enameled blue auspicious clouds in each quadrant, surmounting by a partially enameled yellow imperial symbol of the Orchid blossom in silver gilt, obverse centre exhibiting an enameled yellow and red rising sun, with plain reverse featuring Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 70.43 mm (w) x 107.11 mm (h - inclusive of the Orchid blossom suspension and its integral ring), presenting gilt loss, suspended by original full-length silk ribbon with bow, near extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the star of the order in silver gilt, consisting of an eight-pointed beaded star with superposed enameled yellow, white, blue, and red insignia of the order also in silver gilt, reverse with vertical pin assembly flanked by two stays on each side, exhibiting central Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”, measuring 90.82 mm (w) x 90.68 mm (h), presenting toned silver on the tips, otherwise extremely good condition. Together with a black hardshelled case of issue, with interior lid in purple silk and recessed medal bed in purple velvet, measuring 120 mm (w) x 73 mm (h) x 245 mm (l), presenting a crack on exeterior lid and slightly frayed interior silk lid, with functionally catch, fair condition.

Footnote:The Order of the Auspicious Clouds (Ching Yun Chang) was established by Imperial Edict on March 1, 1934. There were established eight classes, and they were the exact equivalent of the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun in Japan. It is also known as Order of the Prosperous Clouds.

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.