Also known as the “Tai-Ping Medal”, 39,6 mm, GOLD, the obverse with two facing Chinese dragons with a stylized jewel between their heads on pebbled ground, surrounding a square hole in the centre, with polished border, the reverse, with Chinese inscription meaning “Military Merit - Sign of Praise” also on pebbled ground, golden suspension bar of “British-style” and original ribbon, fitted with metal hook and loop for suspension, together with 7 of his Navy gilt Buttons, mounted on his business card. An extremely rare medal, awarded in gold and silver to the officers of the European expeditionary forces in China, during the campaign supporting the Chinese Imperial government after the second “Opium War”, 1856-60, during the repression of the rebellious Tai-Ping Army, in 1861-62; according to the various sources, the gold medal was struck in a number of pieces not exceeding the 40 pieces, while the silver one in no more than 400 pieces, excellent condition. I RR! Provenance: the estate of Rear Admiral Léopold Pallu de la Barriere (Saintes 1828 – Lorient 1891). As an Ensign, in October 1850, he participated to the Crimean war, distinguishing himself at Sebastopol, then in Yalta and Kerch, Lieutenant, in August 1860, he left for the Far East, as a maneuver officer of the China Sea Squadron, he took part to the Cochinchina campaign and led an élite company of 100 sea infantrymen to clear the passage of the assault columns, he took part in the attack on Ky Hoa, February 24 and 25, 1861. He was commissioned by Minister Chasseloup-Loubat to write a report on operations in China, in 1859, appointed as Commander in 1869, Sea Captain, in 1873, appointed as Governor of New Caledonia, in 1884, advanced to the rank of rear admiral, in 1887, major general at the sea base of Lorient, in 1888 and 1889, he retired from active service in 1890, created Knight of the Legion of Honor, in 1861, Officer, in 1863 and Commander, in 1880.