Baldwin's numismatic auction in Hong Kong on February 25 includes a small number of medals and awards for sale.

Of these the clear standout piece is a very rare First Class Set of the Order of the Striped Tiger.

Founded in 1912 by President Yuan Shih-Kai as an award of merit to Chinese Navel and Military Forces, the award came in nine classes but has since been abolished.

 

First Class Order of the Striped Tiger

The highest classes were marked out by stars above the tiger's head: one for third class, two for second class and as in this example three for first class. It is also larger than the lesser kinds.

The set, in silver-gilt and enamel, consist of a chest star and badge to hang from a sash, and is estimated at $12,000-15,000.

Chinese collectibles have been tending to fetch increasing prices at auction in recent years, so this piece represents an investment as well as a beautiful piece for a collection.

Baldwin's sale is also offering coins from the reign of Siam's Rama V and a Ming dynasty banknote.

 

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Image: Baldwin's

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