Japan, Imperial. A Scarce Air Force Excellence Badge, C.1941 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac centrepiece inscribed "MÉRITE DU TRAVAIL"

centrepiece inscribed "MÉRITE DU TRAVAIL"

above an inscription of “ИМЕНИ С

2 mm (h) x 26 mm (d)

the reverse bearing a central Gold medallion overlaid by a raised monogram of King Wilhelm I

Stitched behind the buckle is a tab

Japan, Imperial. A Scarce Air Force Excellence Badge, C.1941 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac centrepiece inscribed "MÉRITE DU TRAVAIL"In silver with a silver gilt eagle, weighing 41. 1 grams, measuring 47 mm (w) x 42 mm (h), vertical pinback, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, balsa wood frame, black lacquer finish, gilt characters on the lid, recessed medal bed, light contact in the black lacquer finish, light soiling and wear evident on the lining of the inside lid, case near extremely fine. A very scarce award.