Teh Ling: Silversmith to the China Marines

[Dirk]

That is a fantastic discovery!  I had never heard of Arnold, or would have thought it was based in China until I saw your advertising items. Level was active in Tientsin to the start of the war. So Arnold must have been a competitor, like levy getting contractors for medals, and trophies for shooting and, sports events  etc. you have added another piece of info to understanding who these Chinese makers were,! I would love to see the full reserve to see the catch! A big thanks for sharing this!

[kiaiokalewa]

I originally bought this in Guam at Antique Shop in Dededo maybe some 40 years ago and the gifted to my best friend a few years later.  Originally, it had a wood backing with black cloth on it and piece of glass.  They are long gone now. 

[Dirk]

Very nice! Looks like a Japanese style dragon….the frame could have been produced in Japan or China. The work is excellent and of high quality. The colors of the dragon are fantastically done 

[China Marine]

Great thread here, Dirk, This case is similar to your "type 3" (Teh Ling) case. It is Pao Chu I believe, from Tientsin.  Made for 7th Marine TSgt Harry M. Morgan.

[China Marine]

5 hours ago, China Marine said:

Great thread here, Dirk, This case is similar to your "type 3" (Teh Ling) case. It is Pao Chu I believe, from Tientsin.  Made for 7th Marine TSgt Harry M. Morgan.

Correction: this belonged to Harry M. Goodwin :)

[Dirk]

China Marine great case! Sorry I missed it! Yes PAO Chu from Tientsin….i think he copied Teh Ling’s design for the case you have shown…..always great to see these jewelers borrow each others designs….recently found a Levy marked case similar to Teh Ling 

[kiaiokalewa]

Well it looks like Arnold had local competition in making their 15th Infantry ladder badges.  I found these three badges in storage earlier in the week.  I'm not certain of Yuchang's operational location but the quality of craftsmanship was certainly there.  Unfortunately, the TAAA coin award is un hallmarked but likely strucked in Tientsin too.  Got to love their coat of arms with the Chinaman to the right.

[kiaiokalewa]

Here they are side by side.  The darken patina on the Arnold badge accents the 15th Infantry Distinctive nicely.  Here at least we can see how they equipped the badges with their respective attachments.

[Dirk]

Wow just seeing this! Fantastic pieces! Yu Chang was based in Tientsin and a very prolific maker of swagger sticks