Grand Cross Set (LUNG-KUANG TA-SHOU CHANG) instituted in 1934. Sash Badge, 120x75mm, gilt Silver, eight-pointed star featuring bursting rays divided
by shorter green enameled rays, five-clawed, detailed dragon imposed in the center in relief on a blue enamel backing, encompassed by 28 red jewels and
five auspicious clouds, the reverse presents four rivets and four engraved characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, original green enameled,
auspicious cloud via a hinged pin linked to the badge is a plated steel necklace chain. Breast Star, 90 mm, gilt Silver, convexed, eight-pointed, star featuring
bursting rays partitioned by shorter green enameled rays, five-clawed, detailed dragon lies in the center in relief on a blue enamel background encompassed
by 28 red jewels and five auspicious clouds, the reverse presents four engraved characters translating to “Order of Merit Decoration”, dual fixed pins, a single
hinged pin hallmarked "M", with closure and four domed rivets, white and blue watered silk sash with rosette and lapel hole rosette, in original fitted award box, in black
lacquered, wood construction with purple velvet lining. The lid features golden characters and the Emblem of the Emperor of Manchukuo, together with:
- Original photo of Robbie Ashlock working in Japan as part of the occupation force. Dated to back February 28, 1947.
- A copy of the First Class ship manifest for U.S.A.T. Fred C. Ainsworth. Departing Yokohama Japan on March 4, 1949 and Arriving Seattle USA on March 16, 1949.
Robbie Ashlock is listed as passenger #7 on the ship manifest. This is her return trip after working many years on the occupation force of General Douglas MacArthur.
- Original Christmas / New Years card Robbie Ashlock sent on November 29, 1948 to her nephew Ray Cannon. She has handwritten on the back “29
Nov. 48 Hi Ray: Best Xmas ever - Wish I could be there too! Get something you need.... Nothing here to buy for the boys at the P.X. Love, Rob”.
- A copy of a family genealogy letter typed in 1977 by Mae Ashlock. Mentions Robbie Ashlock was expected to be born a boy and was to be named
for Robert Lee (after her Grandfather). Being she was born a girl, she was given the name Robbie instead. The letter goes on to mention Robbie going
to live in Tokyo Japan to serve on General Douglas MacArthur’s occupation force as a civil.
Provenance: This set was brought back from Japan by Civil Employee Robbie Ashlock (September 3, 1906 - May 8, 1990), who worked as a Secretary and
Stenographer with US Army General Douglas MacArthur’s occupation force from about 1946-1949. Ashlock returned to the United States onboard USAT Fred
C. Ainsworth in 1949 (copy of ship’s manifest reflecting her name included with lot). The set was gifted to Robbie Ashlock for her many years of dedicated
work on the occupation force.
I RR!