Chiang Kai-shek's medal auctioned for almost US$1m
Staff Reporter 2013-07-08 16:18
Order of White Sun and Blue Sky (Internet Photo)
An honorary medal awarded to the late Chiang Kai-shek, former president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), was sold to an overseas buyer by a Hong Kong-based auction house for US$928,500, reports our sister newspaper Want Daily.
Created first in 1929, the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun is the second highest military award of the Republic of China, following the Order of National Glory. It is dedicated to soldiers for "outstanding contributions to national security under foreign invasion." As of 2013, there were 210 recipients of the medal by 2013. Among those recipients, four are from the United States, including General Joseph W Stillwell, Claire Lee Chennault, Albert C Wedemeyer and George C Marshall.
In 1931, Chiang Kai-shek was awarded the Order of Blue Sky and White Sun for unifying China as the commander of the Northern Expedition Army. Originally, the Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun is marked with a number on the back, but this particular medal is without a number, instead replaced by the characters for "distinguished." The medal was put up for auction last year, but it went without bids after Taiwan's defense ministry questioned its authenticity.
The Taiwanese authority believes that the medal was buried with Chiang Kai-shek after the late president passed away in 1975. Anna Lee, vice chairman of Spink China — the auction house responsible for selling the medal — stated that it was originally found in an antique store in Taipei. After being hired by Spink China to appraise the medal, Chuk Hong-ming, a Taiwanese historian, declared that it is indeed the real thing. As the author of a book about the medal, Chuk stated that the buyer made the right choice in spending nearly US$1 million to acquire the piece.
