Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Medjidie (Mecidiye), 2nd Class Star, c.1918

(Mecidiye Nişanı). Instituted in 1851. Turkish-made, two-piece silver seven-pointed star base, center appliqué in Gold and red enamels, silver standard marked on the both the reverse of the order and on the reverse cartouche, hallmarked on reverse with standard Turkish 800 silver mark, measuring 79.8 mm (w) x 80.7 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, chipping evident in the red enamels on the centrepiece ring, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Medjidie (Mecidiye) was instituted in 1851. It was issued in considerable numbers by Sultan Abdülmecid, as a reward for distinguished service to members of the British Army and the Royal Navy and the French Army who came to the aid of the Ottoman Empire during the Crimean War against Russia. In Britain, it was worn after any British gallantry and campaign medals awarded, but before the Turkish Crimean War medal. The Order was usually conferred on officers but a few enlisted soldiers also received it in a lower class. During the First World War, it was also awarded to a number of German, Austrian and Bulgarian officers. The Order was often conferred on non-Turkish nationals. It was awarded in five classes: First Class Order (Gold); Second Class Order (Gold); Third Class Order (Gold);Fourth Class Order (Gold); and Fifth Class Order. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.