medal, Allied Victory Medal, 1914-18, contemporary copy, medals, Military, Japan
Artist: Japan, state; Date(s): 1919 - 1920; Classification(s): medal, Allied Victory Medal, 1914-18, contemporary copy, medals, Military, Japan; Acquisition: loan by Cambridge in America, 2005 [LW.0352]
Description: When the Great War of 1914-1918 had ended, there was a genuine feeling among the victorious Allies that their military efforts had been instrumental in preserving modern civilization, and this and the united spirit of the Alliance were commemorated in a combined issue of medals to those who had seen active service during the conflict. 13 nations in all issued a variety of this medal; all shared the rainbow ribbon and suspension.
The Japanese issue of the medal, of which this is probably a French copy made for collectors in 1920, was different from all the others in that it did not feature a type of the goddess Victory as its obverse emblem; this symbol, meaningless to Japanese culture, was replaced with an archetypal ancient warrior, barefoot and brandishing a quarterstaff.
This medal is unnamed, which is probably to be explained by its being only an imitation rather than a genuine award. Lester Watson purchased it from the London dealers Baldwin at some point before 1928.
The Museum must thank Mr Sawyer Rank for his information on this medal.
.jpg)
