Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Golden Kite, I Class Grand Cordon, Taylors Copy Auction 19 mm (w) x 43

19 mm (w) x 43

but the grip slightly loose - most likely from shrinkage of the wood through age

with a partially silvered cockade pinned in place at the front

demonstrating a hole to the handle which reveals a hollow core and some wear to the lower edge of the blade consistent with use

s dismissal

Japan, Empire. An Order Of The Golden Kite, I Class Grand Cordon, Taylors Copy Auction 19 mm (w) x 43(). Instituted February 12, 1890. A modern talyors copy of this order, comprising a badge in bronze gilt, an eight point red enamelled star with multiple smooth rays , superimposed on the obverse sits a blue enamelled golden kite with yellow enamelled crossed swords with silver hilts atop the arms and a red flag at 3 and 9 oclock presenting heraldic mitsutomoe devices and a silver, green, purple and blue enamelled feature superimposed on the kite,