Rare Early Republic Chinese Military Decoration • Enamel Tiger Badge
Key Information
• Original Republic of China military order
• Order of the Striped Tiger – Officer Grade (6th Class)
• Early 20th century manufacture (Warlord / Early Nationalist period)
• Multi-piece construction with hand-applied enamel
• Maker marked on reverse
• Rare and highly collectible Chinese order
Medal Design
A finely constructed multi-layered star-shaped officer badge featuring a central enamel medallion depicting a seated tiger on a landscape background symbolizing strength and military valor in Chinese tradition.
The badge displays a radiating multicolored enameled starburst composed of red, yellow, white, and blue rays. Above the badge is a suspension consisting of a laurel wreath and red ribbon bow, typical for officer grade decorations.
Two small stars positioned above the central medallion denote the class of the order.
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Medal Details
Type: Order of the Striped Tiger – Officer Grade (6th Class)
Country: Republic of China (pre-1949)
Period: Circa 1912–1930
Maker Mark: 「天利和製」 (Tian Li He manufacture)
Material: Multi-metal construction with enamel inlays
Weight: Approx. 48 g
Dimensions: Approx. 86.1 mm height × 56.3 mm width
Obverse
• Central hand-enameled medallion showing tiger seated on grass
• Turquoise sky and landscape background
• Multi-colored enameled radiating starburst
• Suspension with wreath and ribbon bow intact
Reverse
• Plain gilt metal reverse
• Square Chinese maker mark cartouche
• Original securing rivet construction
• Original suspension and mounting structure present
Condition
Good / Fair condition consistent with age.
• Central enamel shows visible loss and wear, especially on the right side
• Minor enamel losses on outer rays
• Metal surfaces show natural patina and aging
• Construction remains solid with no structural repairs observed
• Suspension assembly intact
Please refer carefully to photographs for full condition assessment.
Historical and Collectible Significance
The Order of the Striped Tiger (虎章勳章) was established in 1912 following the fall of the Qing Dynasty. It was awarded to Chinese military officers and distinguished foreign allies for exceptional military service during one of the most turbulent periods in modern Chinese history.
Officer grade badges are scarce and increasingly sought after by collectors of Asian and early 20th-century military decorations. Surviving examples, especially early manufactured pieces with maker marks, are becoming difficult to obtain.
Summary
An authentic and visually striking example of a rare Republic of China military order. Despite enamel wear, the badge retains strong historical importance, original construction, and excellent display appeal. A desirable addition to advanced Chinese militaria or international orders collections.
For the condition, please refer to the pictures.