Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Medjidie (Mecidiye), II 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, measuring 76.5 mm (w) x 75.2 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, intact enamels, 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.