Circular silver medal with elaborately decorated swivel suspension; the face with the characters for ‘Merit Medal’ encircled by cherry blossom; the reverse plain; on original ribbon with hook and eye and bearing a silver bar inscribed ‘Showa 36 Nen 4th Month 19th Day’ ( = 19 April 1963) in Japanese characters; also bearing a rare second silver bar inscribed ‘Showa 38 Nen 12th Month 11th Day ( = 11 December 1963); with lapel stick pin. The medal was created by Imperial Edict N? 349 of 19 September 1918 to be awarded to those who contribute their private fortunes to public welfare. Unlike other merit medals, the reverse of the Dark Navy Blue Ribbon Merit Medal is never inscribed with the name of the recipient. A superb example, rare with second bar.
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