Original Item: Only One Available. Known in Turkish as the Harp Madalyasi, the "Gallipoli Star" was instituted in 1915. In silvered bronze with red enamels, the front features the tughra of Sultan Mehmed V Reşâd, over the date 1333 AH (AD 1915) within an upward-facing crescent moon, with ball finials on the tips of the star points. Approximate measurements are 57 mm (w) x 55 mm (h).
This very nice example features intact enamels, scattered silvering wear and patination, and is offered in very good condition. The back of the medal features a vertical pin back, much like the German "Iron Cross" award.
Ready to display!
More on the Gallipoli Star:
The Gallipoli 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. Wear 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.
The ribbon could also be fashioned into a chest riband for placement on a ribbon bar when in undress.
The campaign bar was usually not worn.
