Turkey, Ottoman Empire. A Liyakat Medal, c.1900

(Liyakat Madalyasi). Instituted in 1890. Type III. In silver, measuring 25.3 in diameter, edge nicks, contact marks, replacement ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Liakat Medal, translated as "Medal of Merit," was a decoration of the Ottoman Empire established in 1890 and awarded for meritorious military or civilian service, in two grades: Gold and Silver. The medal was a common military decoration of the late Ottoman Empire, through the end of the First World War. The medal could also be awarded to civilians for general merit to society. In 1905, women were allowed to receive the medal for charitable work, and other civilian merit. During the First World War, a clasp of two crossed swords was attached to the ribbon with the date AH 1333 (1915) inscribed upon them.