Japan, Imperial. An Order of the Rising Sun, III Class Neck Badge

(旭日章 Kyokujitsu-shō). Instituted on 4 October 1875. A gilded silver, eight-pointed badge bearing a central red enamelled sun disc, each point comprising of three white enamelled rays, measuring 54.94 mm (w) x 87.72 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), suspended from three enamelled paulownia leaves from a neck ribbon in white with red border stripes, presenting heavy loss of gilt, and in overall extremely fine condition. Accompanied by the period original presentation case constructed of a balsa wood frame with a black lacquered finish, the obverse lid with gilt Japanese characters, the interior with a purple satin-type lid liner, with a depressed purple doeskin medal bed, opening with a functional silvered bronze snap button and functional hinge of identical construction, unmarked, measuring 85 mm (w) x 138 mm (l) x 33 mm (h), presenting some chipping to the exterior, in otherwise very fine condition.