Lot 712
712
CHINA, Order of the White Eagle, Second Class set of insignia, sash Badge 75 x 59mm., silver-gilt and enamel; Star, 81mm., silver-gilt and enamel, two stars on both pieces, unmarked, extremely fine and rare, in hinged lacquer case of issue; together with a probably unrelated full sash complete with buckle and a pair of large tassels (2)
CHINA, Order of the White Eagle, Second Class set of insignia, sash Badge 75 x 59mm., silver-gilt and enamel; Star, 81mm., silver-gilt and enamel, two stars on both pieces, unmarked, extremely fine and rare, in hinged lacquer case of issue; together with a probably unrelated full sash complete with buckle and a pair of large tassels (2)

Details
CHINA, Order of the White Eagle, Second Class set of insignia, sash Badge 75 x 59mm., silver-gilt and enamel; Star, 81mm., silver-gilt and enamel, two stars on both pieces, unmarked, extremely fine and rare, in hinged lacquer case of issue; together with a probably unrelated full sash complete with buckle and a pair of large tassels (2)

Lot Essay

The Badge and Star of this rare Chinese Order bear signs of 1930's Japanese manufacture and indeed have a certain resemblance to the Badge and Star of the Order of the Rising Sun. The detail of the insignia is, however, typically Chinese, having the two stars indicating the second Class. Similarly the characters on the case are written in an antique Chinese style with Japanese overtones.

The above strongly suggests that the Order was an award from the Japanese occupiers of China to some important collaborator or a War Lord from whom the Japanese received, or hoped to receive, co- operation. (The Journal of the Orders and Medals Society of America, Vol. 50, No. 3, May-June 1999, refers)