WWI OTTOMAN GALLIPOLI STAR / IRON CRESCENT / EISERNER HALBMOND MEDAL 1ST CLASS

Description

This attractive “pin-on” medal is a high quality replica of the Ottoman 1915 War Medal (Harp Madalyasi), a military merit medal often referred to as the  “Gallipoli Star” or in German, the  “
Eiserner Halbmond
(
Iron Crescent
).”
The War Medal was a gallantry award of the Turkish military in World War I, ranking below the silver Liyakat Medal. The medal is star shaped, approximately 56 mm. across, with ball finials, a raised silver edge and red field in enamel. A raised crescent, open at the top, encircles the center of the badge, and inside the crescent is the
tughra
of Sultan Mehmed Reshad V, over the date "1333" (1915).
The reverse has a vertical pin-and-catch mechanism to attach it to the left breast of the uniform. This decoration was authorized by Enver Pasha, the Ottoman Commander-in-Chief.  It was awarded to both Turkish and German soldiers.
The medal was normally pinned through loops sewn on the tunic.  As you can see in the photo, the flat pin is a bit wide to puncture the cloth.
I have sold dozens of these to very satisfied customers.  Many of them were surprised at the high quality of the badge.  You will not be disappointed.  I have shipped several to Turkey!