Original Imperial Japanese WWII Order of the Rising Sun, 6th Class Medal in Original Presentation Case

Original Item. Only One Available. The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō) is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the "rising sun" concept of Japan ("Land of the Rising Sun").

This is a very good example of the 6th Class Order of the Rising Sun, with the borders and metalwork all silver plated. These are identical to the 5th Class award, however that has part gold and part silver plating. The order is in fantastic condition with the enamel very well-retained. This example comes in its original purple velvet-lined presentation case, which is marked on the lid in "seal-style" script with 勲六等單光旭日章 (Order of the Rising Sun, 6th Class). It still has the original ribbon and 3-5-3 Paulownia flower device, however it is missing the rosette that would have come with the award.

In great lightly tarnished condition, ready to display!

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to people who have rendered distinguished service to the state in various fields except military service. Since there is no order for military achievements under the current Japanese system, Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel are awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure for their long engagement in public service. Prior to the end of World War II, it was also awarded for exemplary military service. In 2003, the 7th and 8th Class, which were at the bottom of the Order of the Rising Sun, were abolished, and the upper half of the 1st Class (勲一等, Kun-ittō) was separated as the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, which was higher than the Order of the Rising Sun.

This is a fantastic WWII Example, ready for further research and display.