1894-95 Sino-Japanese War Gift Golden Kite Compass "To Generals, Officers and Privates ..."/国のいのり 忠良勇武ナル外征諸将士及ヒ兵員ニ贈方位磁石記章

See also https://asiamedals.info/threads/1904-russo-japanese-war-declaration-commemorative-compass.27489/

Medal of the similar design https://asiamedals.info/threads/189...shitagawa-district-commemorative-medal.26192/

1st variation.

Size 45 x 25 mm.
Thickness 5 mm.
Weight 9.9 g.

Details.

In the center

國のいのり - Country’s Blessings

along the perimeter

忠良勇武ナル外征諸将士及ヒ兵員ニ贈ル - A Gift to Generals, Officers and Privates who Loyally and Bravely Went on an Overseas Expedition

 

For many years it was impossible to say with certainty which particular "overseas expedition" they were referring to. Most often the compass was wrongly attributed to the Russo-Japanese War.
Thanks to this rare photo of First Sino-Japanese War veteran we finally got the answer.

Private first class from 32nd Infantry Regiment.

Obviously he is wearing 1894-95 Sino-Japanese War Medal.

 

2nd variation /Compasses made by Tenshōdō workshop/.

Original case and Information leaflet (征清/"Qing Conquest" is mentioning).

贈呈 - Gift

Sticker reads

東京 - Tokyo

天賞堂謹製 - Made by Tenshodo

 

3rd variation.

Different stamp.

 

4th variation.

Different stamp.

Details.

 

5th variation.

Different stamp /very close to 2nd variation manufactured by Tenshōdō workshop/.

 

6th variation.

Different stamp.

Height 45 mm.
Width 25 mm.
Thickness 7 mm.

Details.

 

Reduced/miniature compass.

On reverse only

國のいのり - Country’s Blessings