安南成泰勅赐嘉善雄能金质挂牌 极美
NGUYEN DYNASTY (ANNAM): Thanh Thai, 1889-1907, AV kim khánh medal (23.00g), S&H p. 48 1.2.2.1, 57 x 31mm, Order of Kim Khánh, thanh thai sac tu // gia thien tinh nang ("Bestowed by Thanh Thai // Virtuous & Capable"), framed with curlicues & floral decoration, maker s mark AXC (A. Chobillon) on top loop on reverse, attached with red cord, bottom loop attached to green knot & three tassels, a lovely French example apparently made with high-quality gold content, EF-AU, R, ex John Sylvester Jr. Collection. Khánh, which means a ceremonial gong of pleasing sound, was the most prestigious award during the Nguyen Dynasty. It comprised four classes (Great, First, Second, and Third) and was sparingly bestowed to officials of distinction, who could be seen in old photographs wearing them in the middle of their chest on important occasions. One example was even awarded to the President of France in 1875. Due to the hefty cost of production, the imperial court began issuing only a brevet in 1912, leaving the recipient to purchase their own medal. The French manufacturer M. Delande, for instance, priced the gilt silver first class kim khánh medal at 225 francs in his 1938 catalog. In 1957, the Order of Kim Khanh was resurrected under President Ngo Dinh Diem as the second-ranking civilian decoration, with a new design of a scholar s scrolls.
