Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Medjidie, Civil Division, III Class Commander Badge, c.1880

(Mecidiye Nişanı). Instituted 1851 by Sultan Abdülmecid I. Civil Division. 1851-1922 issue. Of local manufacture, a beautiful multi-rayed seven pointed star in silver, depicting silver crescent moon and star symbols between the arms, obverse centre in Gold exhibiting the engraved Tughra of Abdulmejid I, with an enameled red border inscribed by Arabic characters, reverse exhibiting a Turkish hallmark denoting manufacturing in the Imperial Mint of Konstantinople, accompanied by assay hallmark symbolizing silver purity of .900 between 1844 and 1922, the 12 o’clock obverse arm marked by unknown mark presumably denoting the rank of the badge, presenting a typical of Ottoman Empire crescent moon and star suspension in silver and red enamels, measuring 58.65 mm (w) x 76.73 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), with slightly toned silver on the tips and minor tarnished Gold, suspended by original neck ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Medjidie Order had five rank; the first rank had a limit of 50 members, the second rank of 150 members, the third rank of 800, the fourth rank of 3,000, and the fifth rank 6,000 members. Only the first rank, bearing ornaments precious stones, is currently available. A Tugra is located in the middle of the Mecidiye. The fifth rank is silver and the others are gold. The Order was given to those who had outstanding service and success. The insignia of the first and second ranks were placed in the presence of the sultan.