China, Empire. A Medal Of Merit, Second Class, C.1860 United Republic of ornate design on the clips

ornate design on the clips and buckles matching that of the scabbard

Not everyone owned one

The document is dated to Erfurt

Deployment area: canal coast

China, Empire. A Medal Of Merit, Second Class, C.1860 United Republic of ornate design on the clipsPresented by royalty, a circular silver medal with stylised cloud suspension to top and bottom; the face with a central glass cabochon, a stylised dragon to either side; the reverse with Chinese characters for Merit Medal on a stippled ground; diameter 33mm (1. 3 inches); on an old plain red ribbon, a red tassel below. The central cabochon is now greenish white; blue would have been used for a second (silver) class medal and it is possible that the