Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Osmanije, IV Class Knight, c.1910

(Osmanlı Devlet Nişanı). Instituted in 1862. Type II. In silver gilt, a hollow seven-pointed star with ball finials and green enamels, featuring three short faceted silver petals in each star quadrant, obverse with red enamels presenting Turkish calligraphic inscription reading "Relying on the Assistance of Almighty God, Abdulaziz Khan, Sovereign of the Ottoman Empire" above a superposed upward-facing crescent moon also in silver gilt, reverse centerpiece in silver bearing a trophy of arms with the year AH 699 (1299/1300 AD, the year of the creation of the Ottoman Empire) in arabic numbers, surmounted by an upward-facing crescent moon with a star also in silver gilt, measuring 68.56 mm (w) x 92.03 mm (h - inclusive of ring suspension) with lost of enamels and toned silver, on original breast ribbon, fine.

Footnote: The Order of Osmanieh (AKA Order of Osmaniye) was created in January 1862 by Sultan Abdülaziz. With the obsolescence of the Nişan-i Iftikhar, this became the second highest order in the Empire, ranking below the Nişan-i Imtiyaz. It was awarded by the Sultan to Ottoman civil servants and military leaders for outstanding services to the state. Generally, it could not be awarded to women, but exceptions appear to have been made at the Sultan's discretion. From 1915 until the end of the First World War, all classes could be awarded with sabres when awarded for achievements in military operations.

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.