Ottoman, Empire. An Order Of Medjidjie, I Class Miniature In Diamonds

(Mecidiye Nişanı). Instituted in 1851. In silver, a small star of seven arms with brilliants and a silver star between each arm, the obverse medallion in Gold features the Sultan’s initials in the center, surrounded by a red enamelled ring with Arabic inscription, the star is suspended from a crescent and star suspension, the crescent presents one ruby (two missing) and the star presents a singular diamond chip, the ring is inset with three diamonds on each side of a silver block with missing stone, reverse plain, the miniature measures 12.24mm (w) x 28.69mm (h – inclusive of suspension ring), weighs 1.4 grams, glue-like residue present on the reverse of the suspension, missing chips evident, light wear to enamels on medallion, small nicks to ring, lovely patina, in very fine condition.

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.