Tunisia, Ottoman Empire. An Infantry Officer's Fez Plate, C.1865

In brass gilt, illustrating an oval bearing the cypher of Muhammad III as-Sadiq, the Husainid Bey of Tunis (1859-1882), fronting a trophy-of-arms base, measuring 65.3 mm (w) x 85.8 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, maker marked "AXC" (Adrien Chaubillon, Paris) on the French-made bronze replacement pin, missing its catch, light contact, scattered gilt wear, very fine.

Footnote: The Tunisian beys, a Turkish title for chieftain, traditionally applied to the leaders or rulers of various sized areas in the Ottoman Empire, were the commanders of the Tunisian troops and were invested with high Ottoman military ranks. At the end of the eighteenth century, the bey’s held the rank of Amir al Umara (Major General). The ninth and tenth Bey’s were promoted to the rank of Ferik (Lieutenant Generals in the Ottoman army). In 1840, the eleventh bey was promoted to the rank of Musir-i-Mufakham (Fieldmarshal) which was the highest rank in the Ottoman Army. The same rank was held by his successors until 1882. In 1864, an Amir Oumar (General of Division was appointed).