Turkey, Ottoman Empire. An Order Of Osmania, Civil Division, Iii Class Commander, C. 1910

(Osmanlı Devlet Nişanı). Instituted in 1862. A silver seven-point star featuring green enamelled arms with ball finials and three small faceted rays in each quadrant, the obverse center medallion features an upward facing silver gilt crescent mood at 6 o’clock on a red enamel field with the calligraphic inscription “Relying on the Assistance of Almighty God, Abdulaziz Khan, Sovereign of the Ottoman Empire” above, surrounded in a green enamel ring, the reverse center medallion in silver depicts a trophy of arms with the year AH 699 ( 1299/1300 AD, the year of the creation of the Ottoman Empire), suspended from a silver gilt upward facing crescent moon with a five point star connection to the loop, measuring 62.60mm (w) x 97.20mm (h – inclusive of moon and star suspension with integral loop), weighs 48.8 grams (excluding ribbon), worn on a replacement neck ribbon, light loss of enamel to end of four rays, minor scattered gilt wear, dark patina on silver, 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.