Korea, Empire. An Order of the Taegeuk, III Class Neck Badge

(태극의 주문 / taegeug-ui jumun). Instituted in 1900. Four-piece construction, in frosted silver with red, white, blue and green enamels, illustrating a taegeuk in the centre on both sides, the symbol of the Korean Empire, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, each star point with three emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, the badge surmounted by a plum blossom suspension, measuring 55.5 mm (w) x 84.5 mm (h) inclusive of its pierced integral ball suspension, exhibiting chipping and repair in the white enamels on the plum blossom on the reverse, with light contact and frosted silvering wear overall, on its original full-length neck ribbon with large clasp closure, better than very fine. Footnote: The Order of the Taegeuk was an order of chivalry of the Korean Empire that was given to military or civil officials. It was divided into eight classes. It was part of the establishment of orders on April 17, 1900 by Emperor Kwangmu, the last King of Joseon and the first Emperor of Korea, with awards starting to be issued as of April 22nd. The size of the medal varied by the eight classes that were issued. The III Class Neck Badge was issued to officials who had already received the IV Class Badge and worked admirably for four or more years after having received it. Foreigners were able to receive these orders but recipients and classes were decided by the government.