Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order of Osmanie, II Class Star, c.1900

(Osmanlı Devlet Nişanı). Instituted in 1862. An eight point silver star with clusters of seven faceted rays, the obverse center presenting a silver gilt upward facing crescent moon on a red enamel field inscribed “Relying on the Assistance of Almighty God, Abdulaziz Khan, Sovereign of the Ottoman Empire” in Arabic above, in a thick green enamel surround, the reverse presents a single pin assembly with dual stays and a scratch test zig-zag mark on 10 o’clock arm, measures 79.85mm (w) x 81.00mm (h), weighs 67.0 grams, hallmark on the obverse 12 o’clock ray denoting .800 silver quality between 1900-1922, Arabic maker mark and hallmark on reverse center medallion, enamels intact, dark patina, very fine condition.

Footnote: This Order was awarded to foreign and national personnel, within both civil and military realms, for extraordinary services for the Sultan. It was initially instituted in three classes, however in 1867 the Order was extended to four classes. The I Class was limited to 50 recipients, II Class to 200, III Class to 1000, and IV Class to 2000. In 1915, the Order was awarded for military merit and two crossed swords were added behind the central medallion. The Order was awarded until 1922, when the Ottoman Empire ceased to exist.