Unusual Medal - Anyone know what it is?

[LTSmash]

Hello,

 

I purchased this at a local auction in California. I have no idea what it is. The bottom seems to have some damage as does the top of the crown part. I’m not sure if that’s because this is some sort of reproduction or if the metal they used in Occupied Japan was cheap and flimsy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Basic Rifleman]

This appears to be made for British or Scottish troops post war. I can't make out the obverse text in the photos - that would likely be your best and easiest way of identifying the piece. You might also try the world militaria forum if you don't find what you're looking for here. I also found many examples of the "Diamond T" makers mark on the reverse on brass medals, although none of the listings provided attribution. 

[LTSmash]

Great, thank you!

[manayunkman]

Looks like costume jewelry to me.

[Blacksmith]

What is the text on the ribbon, below the crest?  Hard to read.

[LTSmash]

23 minutes ago, manayunkman said:

Looks like costume jewelry to me.

 

Truth is, I initially thought so, too. I actually bought it for my kids because they like to do “treasure hunts” and things of that nature. When I picked it up from the auction, that was the first time I got to read the back and realized it may actually be a legit medal. It still may not be, but I’m more intrigued by it now.

[LTSmash]

9 minutes ago, Blacksmith said:

What is the text on the ribbon, below the crest?  Hard to read.

Unfortunately, I can’t make it out either. It’s not any clearer in person than it is in the photo.

[Blacksmith]

Looks like maybe “L E T T A C ? ?”

 

When I zoom in, the image starts to dither due to low resolution.  
 

I am pretty sure I could make that out with a better pic.

[manayunkman]

I’ve never seen anything military with “made in occupied Japan” on it.

 

Its a commercial made piece.

[Airborne-Hunter]

In the 1960s theJewelry CORO made costume jewelry type pieces of prominent orders and awards. As far as I am aware, no one has figured a good answer as to why this was done. This piece looks costume to me, but not made by Coro. 

[LTSmash]

10 hours ago, Blacksmith said:

Looks like maybe “L E T T A C ? ?”

 

When I zoom in, the image starts to dither due to low resolution.  
 

I am pretty sure I could make that out with a better pic.

I took it on my iPhone and the image does look clearer on the phone so I suspect it’s an upload/limit on file size issue for the site.

[LTSmash]

If it’s a commercial piece of costume, is there a market for that or should I just go with my original intent of letting the kids use it as “treasure?”