Japan Red Cross Decoration Medal 1888 in wooden box

Japan Red Cross Decoration Medal 1888 The Japanese Red Cross Membership Medal (日本赤十字社社員章) is a silver decoration instituted in 1888 (Meiji 21) . Notably, almost all silver versions of this medal produced between 1888 and 1941 bear the "Meiji 21" date on the reverse, regardless of their actual year of manufacture . Key Specifications Material: Typically struck in silver (.925 sterling or lower fineness depending on the era) . Some later or lower-tier versions may appear in aluminum . Diameter: Generally measures between 29 mm and 30 mm . Design: Obverse: Features a Red Cross in the center, flanked by a wreath of Bamboo and Paulownia (Kiri Crest) leaves . Reverse: Contains two lines of Japanese text including the date "Meiji 21" . Ribbon: The original suspension ribbon is typically solid red or red with blue stripes .