Japan, Empire. A Red Cross Order Of Merit Hold dated "1889

dated "1889

between the cross arms are circles of blue enamel

the top presents a Purple heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster

resulting in two of the troopships being sunk

Japan, Empire. A Red Cross Order Of Merit Hold dated "1889Instituted in 1888. In silver with red, white and blue enamels, measuring 46. 5 mm (w) x 51 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally pierced ball suspension, crazing evident in the white enamels on the arms at 3 and 9 o'clock on the reverse, otherwise the enamels are intact, original ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine. Accompanied by its 12. 5 mm (w) x 12. 5 mm (h) rosette with button hole attachment, in its balsa wood case of issue, gilt