Kobe City Military Reservists Association Commemorative Badge/在郷軍人會神戸市章

See also https://asiamedals.info/threads/kobe-city-military-reservists-association-members-badge.27470/

Very early badges. Approximately 1910s.

1st variation.

Photos courtesy of the owner.

Reverse

神戸市 - Kobe City

在郷軍人會 - Military Reservists Association

Suspension of the badge made in the form of dragonfly. In Japan dragonfly often used as a symbol of bravery. The Japanese believed (mistakenly) that the dragonfly does not fly backward, but always advances, never retreating. Therefore the dragonfly that never abandons its ground was named kachimushi, “victory insect” by the Sengoku era warriors. As a symbol of courage it was often placed on helmets, swords, commemorative sake cups and badges.​

Original case.

神戸市紀章 - Kobe City Commemorative Badge

在郷軍人會 - Military Reservists Association

 

2nd variation.

Two badges with different pins and form of dragonfly wings + one badge is completely silvered. Color of the cases is also different.