China, Republic. A Kuomintang Army Officer’s Service Cap visually-hidden with the ornate Croatian border

with the ornate Croatian border surrounding the initials

with a silver gilded figure of Mary of Bethlehem surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed EQ ORDO SM DE BETHLEHEM (Equestrian Order of Saint Mary of Bethlehem) also in silver gilt

re-leathered

the shield is surrounded by a green-enamelled wreath of laurel leaves

Empire: Military Long Service Decoration

China, Republic. A Kuomintang Army Officer’s Service Cap visually-hidden with the ornate Croatian borderA wartime Kuomintang (also referred to as Guomindang or Nationalist Party of China) Army Officers service cap, constructed entirely of khaki coloured woven cotton with a raised peak. The cap consists of a crown that features a supportive spring loaded wire ring that gives the crown its distinctive shape and traditional raised peak, with a cap band directly below. The cap band itself is constructed of coarsely woven, ribbed, khaki coloured cotton.