| Stack's Bowers Galleries (& Ponterio) > April 2024 Hong Kong Auction | Auction date: 15 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 42331 Price realized: 550 USD (Approx. 518 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: (t) CHINA. Tibet. Great East Asia War Silver Medal, Year 31 (1942). VERY FINE. Weight: 27.51 gms; Diameter: 45.96 mm. Obverse: high relief Tibetan lion right legend around, "敬明進程__田武一李貴発贈" (__ __ process __, gift from Tian Wuyi and Li Guixi); Reverse: "大東亞戰爭" (Great East Asia War), "紀念" (Commemorate), "民國卅一年" (Year 31 [1942] of the Republic of China). This highly interesting commemorative displays attractive finely engraved high relief Tibetan lion with carefully inscribed legends. While the reverse exhibits a high relief Lotus follower in the center with neatly engraved legends. The surfaces displays a pleasing light gray tone with richer coloration amongst the devices. Minor earthen deposits and verdigris are noticed on both sides mentioned for accuracy. Close inspection reveals that one of the characters on the obverse at 1 o'clock has been effaced making identification quite difficult. Despite its shortcomings a pleasant and obscure piece that is sure to add depth to the next collection it enters. It is interesting to point out that while the inscription is for the "Great East Asia War", a term generally considered a war time name by the Japanese, this particular piece was issued by Chinese officials for their campaign in Tibet to prevent their secession from China. In 1942, The Tibetans sent a letter to the Chairman of the National Government Chiang Kai-shek stating that they would safeguard their borders. This was clearly not taken well and the National Government acted appropriately to squelch the secession. Under direct order from Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, Ma Bufang agreed to transfer his Muslim forces to the Tibetan border while Chiang Kai-shek threatened to bomb the Tibetans if they did not respect the borders. A very interesting and seldom encountered artifact from the second Sino-Japanese war that is sure to excite many advanced collectors. Estimate: $400 - $600 |  |
