WSM-071

Gallipoli Star Medal

  • Sale
  • $ 900


Gallipoli Star Medal-The Gallipolli Star is a military decoration awarded by the Ottoman Empire. It was known as the Ottoman War Medal (Turkish: Harp Madalyası) or the Iron Crescent (from German Eiserner Halbmond, in allusion to the Iron Cross). It was instituted by Sultan Mehmed V on 1 March 1915 for gallantry in battle. This decoration was awarded for the duration of World War I to Ottoman and other Central Powers troops, primarily in Ottoman areas of engagement. The medal, made of nickel-plated brass, has a vaulted star-shaped badge, 56 mm across the diagonal span of the arms. The tips of the star are capped by ball finials and enclosed in a raised silver edge with the field in red lacquer or enamel. A raised crescent, open at the top, encircles the center of the badge. Inside the crescent is the Tughra or cipher of the decoration's creator, Sultan Mehmed V Reşâd, over the date 1333 AH (AD 1915). When in formal dress, the badge was worn at the center, below the right breast pocket. Wearing of the badge was exclusive; in everyday wear was substituted by the ribbon. The ribbon was worn from the second hole in the tunic button. For Austrian and German awardees (usually members of the Asienkorps), the award took lower precedence to their own Iron Cross 2nd class, and the ribbon of the Iron Crescent was placed beneath that of the Iron Cross. Notable German recipients of the award included Joachim von Ribbentrop and Rudolf Höss. This example is in excellent condition with toning to the reverse. The pin functions as intended. It is maker marked B & B Co. on the reverse. Excellent!