Compare a similar pair of dark-blue gauze insignia badges, each displaying a goose, denoting fourth rank, dated 1775-1800, illustrated by John E. Vollmer, Decoding Dragons: Status Garments in Ch'ing Dynasty China, p. 108, pl. 63

The pair of circular badges are from a group which were affixed to black silk robes worn by participants at the cermonies at the Temple of Heaven, conducted by the northern general Yuan Shikai, following his establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. The officials of first rank wore nine medallions with nine of the twelve symbols; second rank wore seven medallions with seven of the symbols; the third, five with five symbols; and the fourth, three with three symbols. The lowest rank wore plain, undecorated robes. For an example of one of these badges as well as a photograph of the actual ceremony, see Valery M. Garret, Chinese Clothing, New York, 1994, p. 98, fig. 8.1 and 8.2. See also, a robe from the ceremony, decorated with seven medallions each with seven of the Imperial symbols, illustrated by John E. Vollmer, Decoding Dragons: Status Garments in Ch'ing Dynasty China, University of Oregon Museum of Art, 1983, p. 176, pl. 120