First or Transitional type (circa 1896), Third Class, First Grade, uniface neck badge in silver gilt, with two dragons flanking a central rough-cut blue stone against a turquoise enamelled ground, fitted with a double-sided suspension of European style including a link in the form of two fish, suspended from a Chinese embroidered double dragon neck riband in blue

Possibly awarded to Gustav Detring (1842-1913), and thence by descent.

Apart from the Riband now lacking tied, the badge and riband are in overall good condition. There are minor scratches and nibbles to the central stone, and slight surface scratches to the metal (particularly to the back). There is some minor rubbing of gilding. The threads of a small section of the border above the left dragon's head on the riband has become loose with minor losses.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This medal is extremely rare and was probably commissioned by Li Hongzhang (1823-1901) during his visit to Europe in 1986. Several aspects suggest it was an experimental piece, such as the European aspects of style, the probability that Detring and von Hanneken had both received Second Class insignia of the Order at the time of its creation, and its rarity. A comparable badge, but without any trace of it ever having had a central stone, gifted to the American Numismatic Society by Harrold E. Gillingham in 1925, was sold at Morton & Eden London, 26th April 2007, lot 42.