One of the earliest and rarest Chinese medals of the Qing era.
Size 51.81 mm.
Weight 90.07 g.
Obverse
大清 - Great Qing /Qing Dynasty/
御賜金牌 - Imperial Gift Gold Medal
reverse
福州 - Foochow
船政成功 - Shipbuilding Success
Nice level of craftsmanship.
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. As per the agreement foreign craftsmen should ensure the Chinese co-workers were taught the appropriate skills to build ships, cast tools, operate forges, and essentially operate the facilities independently. 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. In total five first-class "treasure stars", thirteen gold medals and twenty five silver medals were awarded.
List of awardees from the collection of National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.
Gold Medal. List of awardees from the collection of National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan.
Size 51.81 mm.
Weight 90.07 g.
Obverse
大清 - Great Qing /Qing Dynasty/
御賜金牌 - Imperial Gift Gold Medal
reverse
福州 - Foochow
船政成功 - Shipbuilding Success
Nice level of craftsmanship.