Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Charity, I Class Grand Cross Badge, c.1909

(Şefkat Nişanı). Instituted in 1878. A five armed red enameled cross in Gold, with ball finials, hollow, obverse centre with tughra of order founder Abdulhamid II (1876-1909), green enamel surround with Arabic scripture, reverse suspension with Dutch import/duty mark "vreemd" for objects used between 1906 and 1953, 16.4 grams, measuring 54 mm (w) x 66.5 mm (h - inclusive of its upward-facing crescent moon and star suspension), centrepiece rotated ninety degrees clockwise, minor chipping evident in the red enamels on the star point at 10 o'clock and in the green enamels on the centrepiece ring, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Charity was founded in 1878 by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and was awarded to selected women for distinguished humanitarian or charitable works.

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.