102697 | JAPAN & RUSSIA. Battle of Tsushima bronze Medal.

102697  |  JAPAN & RUSSIA. Battle of Tsushima bronze Medal. Issued Meiji 38 (1905). Commemorating the final naval battle of the Russo-Japanese War (55mm, 78.69 g, 12h).

 

Wreath and artillery shell before Japanese Army and Navy flags crossed in saltire; sakura blossoms around // Legend in four lines in Japanese (seal script) within circular maeander border; legend in Japanese (seal script) around; all within circular border of alternating anchors and stars. Edge: Plain.

 

Cf. Smirnov 1343. Choice Mint State. Alluring brown surfaces, with a great glossy nature throughout; a powerful and rare piece. Includes original box of issue. Just the third time that we have had this impressive type, with the first being an even rarer version in silver pedigreed to the Virgil M. Brand Collection (which later sold in Stack's Bowers 2019 ANA auction [lot 21306], realizing a total of $5,280). Compare to similar examples in Westfälische Auktionsgesellschaft 46 (lot 2908) and 48 (lot 4169), which realized hammers of €1,150 and €750, respectively.

 

Known in Japan as the Battle of the Sea of Japan, the Battle of Tsushima served as the final naval battle in the Russo-Japanese War, and was a clear Japanese victory. The battle has the distinction of being the only decisive engagement between modern steel battleship fleets, the last decisive naval battle in history, and the first in which the telegraph played an important role. The heavy losses suffered by Russia forced her to seek peace, with U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt instrumental in the a treaty later signed in Portsmouth, and for which he would later win the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

Upload: 1 February 2024.