China Qing Dynasty Medal for the Establishment of the Foochow Arsenal 1874
China Qing Dynasty Medal for the Establishment of the Foochow Arsenal 1874 Restrike Rare. 1:1 Details as original. Weight of the silver Medal: 128.5 grams.
87.57 mm / 3.45 Inches. Info about the original Medal. Imperial Silver Award Medal for the Establishment of the Foochow Arsenal, ND ca. 87 mm; Two dragons arranged vertically on a stippled background flanking a column of four characters, the sun above flanked by characters at right and left, all within geometric boarder; Reverse: Inscription arranged in similar format to obverse; however, clouds are in place of dragons, all on stippled background within geometric boarder. A series of institutional reforms were issued during the late Qing dynasty, known as the self-strengthening movement. Following a series of military defeats by foreign powers, namely the Opium Wars, China went to great lengths to strengthen and modernize its military powers. The goal of the self-strengthening movement was to build China's military as an industry, by constructing a series of arsenals as well as the construction of the shipyards and a naval academy at Mawei Foochow. The petition to build the Foochow Arsenal shipyard was presented to the Qing court in 1866 by Tso Tsung-t'ang, who was then governor of Fukien and Chekiang. Construction of the Foochow Arsenal began in 1867 under the guidance of French Naval officer Prosper Marie Giquel. From 1867 to 1874 Prosper Marie Giquel and his colleague Paul d'Aiguebelle were in charge of the project and overseeing its completion.The two Frenchmen set about assembling a team of European engineers, mechanics and craftsman capable of performing of such a task. Once plans were in motion a "guarantee agreement" or contract was made, stating that the foreigners would have the shipyard and academy completed within a five year period. By the end of 1873 Prosper Giquel had fulfilled his obligation and the five year agreement was about to expire. In 1874 Shen Pao-chen petitioned the Qing court, recommending the foreign advisors for special recognition by granting an order.
In response, the Qing court ordered the Imperial Palace Construction Section to manufacture award medals in the name of the Qing government. The medal is accompanied by a letter and rubbing from the director of the Musee Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris, dated October 29, 1909. Letter is describing the medal, and transcribing its legends from Chinese into French. Produced in high relief with sharp and refined details. The devices are accented with dark grey and brown antiqued patina.EXTREMELY RARE and first example of this medal we have seen. One of the earliest and most historically important Qing dynasty medal we have had the privilege of auctioning. A fantastic part of chinese history not to be missed at this low listing price. It would be extremely hard to find a much better example than this Badge, Badge weight a bit!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime. They are all in excellent condition and would make a fantastic addition to any collection. This item is in the category "Coins & Paper Money\Coins: World\Asia\China\Empire (up to 1948)".The seller is "tmedals-com" and is located in this country: CN. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Circulated/Uncirculated: Uncirculated
- Denomination: 10 Cents
- Composition: Silver
- Year: 1874
- Certification: Uncertified