Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order Of Osmanieh, 4Th Class Officer, C.1910

(Osmanlı Devlet Nişanı). Instituted in 1862. Type II. In silver gilt with red and green enamels, obverse with the calligraphic inscription reading "Relying on the Assistance of Almighty God, Abdulaziz Khan, Sovereign of the Ottoman Empire" above an upward-facing crescent moon on the red enamelled centrepiece, seven pointed star in green enamels, with three short faceted silver rays between each point of the star on both sides, reverse centerpiece in silver and bearing a trophy of arms with the year AH 699 (1299/1300 AD, the year of the creation of the Ottoman Empire), upward-facing crescent moon and star suspension, measuring 63.2 mm (w) x 81 mm (h) inclusive of its suspension, intact enamels, traces of gilt remains, on French style ribbon with large rosette with hook and eye, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Osmanieh (AKA Order of Osmaniye) was created in January 1862 by Sultan Abdülaziz. With the obsolescence of the Nişan-i Iftikhar, this became the second highest order in the Empire, ranking below the Nişan-i Imtiyaz. It was awarded by the Sultan to Ottoman civil servants and military leaders for outstanding services to the state. Generally, it could not be awarded to women, but exceptions appear to have been made at the Sultan's discretion. The order was originally established in three classes. In 1867, the order was expanded to four classes, plus an augmented first class set with brilliants or diamonds (This does not include the awards with sabres, which were not separate classes, but did constitute separate awards). A fifth class was added in 1893. From 1915 until the end of the First World War, all classes could be awarded with sabres when awarded for achievements in military operations.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.