1980 Nagoya City Science Museum 18th Science Work Contest Commemorative Keychain
Decorative Object / Commemorative Keychain · Unknown Japanese manufacturer; commissioned by the Nagoya City Science Museum (Nagoya-shi Kagakukan).
Pattern: Non-patterned commemorative medal; 18th Annual Science Work Contest Series.
Type
Decorative Object / Commemorative Keychain
Maker
Unknown Japanese manufacturer; commissioned by the Nagoya City Science Museum (Nagoya-shi Kagakukan).
Material
Likely Silver-Plated Brass or Nickel Silver (Japanese Maillechort). The yellowish undertones and surface pitting suggest a base metal like brass/copper alloy with a worn silver-colored plating rather than solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Medal diameter approximately 35-40mm; total length including snake chain approx 10cm. Estimated weight: 20-30 grams.
Description
This is a Japanese commemorative keychain awarded or sold during the 18th Science Work Contest at the Nagoya City Science Museum in 1980. The circular medal features industrial sans-serif Japanese typography. While it mimics the weight and appearance of silver, the surface wear indicates it was intended as a functional memento rather than fine jewelry.
Key Features
Specific event dating (1980), institutional branding (Nagoya City Science Museum), and the flexible 'snake' chain design popular in that era.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver-Plated Brass or Nickel Silver (Japanese Maillechort). The yellowish undertones and surface pitting suggest a base metal like brass/copper alloy with a worn silver-colored plating rather than solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Matte/Satin finish with raised (relief) Japanese kanji and katakana typography. Design is utilitarian and industrial, typical of late 20th-century Japanese commemorative medals.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible silver purity marks (e.g., 'SILVER' or '925'). Text reads: '第18回' (18th), '科学工作コンクール' (Science Work Contest), '1980', '名古屋市科学館' (Nagoya City Science Museum).
Construction Details
Die-struck medal with a jump ring attachment. The chain is a flexible 'snake chain' style (milled) common in mid-to-late 20th century mass production.
Functional Features
Secure split-ring for keys, flexible metal snake chain for articulation, and a commemorative disc with raised lettering for tactile durability.
Handle & Grip Details
Chrome-plated steel or nickel-silver split ring and snake chain. Attachment is via a simple soldered eyelet on the medal.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial die-striking. The lettering is crisp, indicating a high-quality steel die was used for the production run.
Authentication Indicators
The embossed date and museum name are consistent with 1980s Japanese souvenir manufacturing. Lack of 'Silver' or 'Sterling' marks suggests a base metal composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
Nagoya, Japan. Likely produced by a local trophy or medal manufacturer for the municipal museum.
Era & Period
Late Showa Era (1980). Context: Japan's post-war economic boom and technological 'Science City' development peak.
Age Estimate
Dated 1980; exactly 44 years old from the date of the contest.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Japanese 'Mono-zukuri' (crafting) culture and the national emphasis on science education for children during the 1980s electronics boom.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface oxidation, pitting, and loss of original plating (revealing a brassy base). The snake chain appears intact without kinks.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Value is based on local Nagoya history or niche keychain collectors rather than precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild damp cloth. Do not use silver dips or harsh abrasives, as it will likely strip the remaining silver-colored plating to the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Expo '70 Osaka Commemorative Medals, Japanese Mint set medals. These differ by being strictly numismatic vs. this item's functional keychain form.
Interesting Facts
The Nagoya City Science Museum is famous for housing one of the world's largest planetariums; this contest likely encouraged youth engineering during Japan's robotics ascendancy.