China, Qing Dynasty. An Imperial Order of the Double Dragon, Type I, I Class, III Grade (Collectors Copy)

(雙龍寶星). Instituted February 7, 1882 by the Guangxu Emperor, Empress Ci Xi. A Post 1945 Manufactured Collectors Copy. In silver gilt, consisting of an oblong solid badge surmounted by an enameled blue and green cloud suspension, the obverse featuring two mirrored inward facing dragons in enamels of multiple colors, the dragons are chasing an ornamented sun design with white, blue, green enamels, with a central red glass cabochon, between the dragons is a vertical Manchurian inscription, with Chinese characters in seal script present in each corner, the badge is framed by “T” pattern between two solid lines in black enamel, plain reverse, measuring 44.54 mm (w) x 78.76 mm (h – inclusive of cloud suspension), with minor faded enamels, the reverse is scratched, otherwise very fine condition.