Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure group of three awarded to Monsieur H. C. Angst, Japanese Delegate to the International Committee of the Red Cross

Japan, Empire, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class Star, 73mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with central silver mirror, and red sacred beads, Japanese inscription to reverse, with central retaining hook and two additional support hooks, in fitted rio-nuri lacquered case of issue; Red Cross Order of Merit, breast badge, silver and enamel, with original hook and eye suspension, in fitted case of issue; Red Cross Membership Medal, silver, one with original hook and eye suspension and rosette on riband, in wooden box of issue; together with two lapel rosettes, extremely fine (lot) £600-£800

Harry Carl Angst, a Swiss national, was born in Zurich on 13 August 1909 and was employed at the Swiss Legation to Japan throughout the Second World War. He subsequently served as part of the Japanese Delegation to the International Committee of the Red Cross until his retirement in 1974, and for his services to Japan was awarded the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure Second Class, being presented with his insignia by Emperor Hirohito.

Sold together with the Bestowal Document for the Order of the Sacred Treasure Second Class, with English Translation, named to ‘Mr. Harry Carl Angst, Swiss’, and dated 13 September 1974; two Society of the Red Cross of Japan Scrolls of Thanks, both with English Translations, dated 15 November 1957 and 28 April 1959; and Scrolls of Thanks from the Yokohama Chamber of Commerce, and Siber Hegner & Co., both with English Translations, dated 30 April 1962 and 5 February 1964

Sold also with an International Committee of the Red Cross Geneva Medallion, by Huguenin, Le Locle, 60mm, silver, the obverse featuring a Red Cross medic providing assistance to a wounded soldier in the field, the reverse engraved ‘A M. Harry C. Angst Le C I C R Reconnaissant 1943-1974’ within wreath, in fitted case; a Kanagawa Prefecture Governor’s Medallion, 50mm, silver, obverse bearing the bust of Governor Iwataro Uchiyama, the reverse showing the Prefecture Building and dated 1946-1963, unnamed, in fitted case; and a miniature key symbolising the Freedom of the City of Yokohama, 40mm in length, gilt and enamel, with English inscription, in wooden box.