Cased Order of the Golden Kite 6th Class w Rosette

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This sixth class, gold plated silver award is in the form of crossed Samurai shields, with crossed, sheathed swords laid over them, banners with heraldic devices along either side of them, and, to the center, a vertical, sheathed halberd, surmounted by a spread winged, gilded falcon. The falcon is the "kite". The reverse is polished and flat. A perforated ball is to the top of the falcon’s head, through which passes the ribbon’s suspension ring. Fed unto the ring is a 1 7/16" wide silk ribbon, in blue/green, which has a 3/16" wide, vertical white stripe 1/8" in from either edge. An elongated, vertical alloy hook is to its top, which folds down and mates with an eye sewn near the base of its reverse. The ribbon is moderately age soiled, and the gold wash to the medal has dulled. The medal and ribbon are nested into corresponding depressions to the hinged, purple velvet interior base of its original presentation case, whose interior lid is lined in padded, purple silk. The velvet is moderately worn, although the silk exhibits only light usage wear. The exterior of the 2 3/8" x 3 7/16" x 1 1/16", black lacquered wooden case has a column of gold painted, stylized kanji characters to its cover. A hinged alloy closure device and corresponding stud is to its forward edge, and a wide alloy hinge is along its rear edge. The exterior of the case is lightly surface scratched with minor wear and a contemporary identifying sticker.