Turkey – Ottoman Empire: Ottoman War Medal, often known as the Gallipoli Star or Iron Crescent, brass and enamel, horizontal pin fitting to reverse, the back-strap of the fitting bearing stamped makers details for ‘B.B. & Co.’ of Berlin. With a small piece of original ribbon, and an old paper envelope that is inscribed in ink: ‘Turkish Gallipoli Star’. A good example of type.
Condition: enamel work in good overall condition, tarnished, Good Very Fine.
The Medal (Madalyasi) is to all intents an Order, instituted in 1915 by Sultan Mehmed Reshad V to be awarded for acts of heroism, bravery and successful military service. It was awarded widely during the Gallipoli campaign and is often known in the West as the ‘Gallipoli Star’, though it was not a campaign medal. The Central Powers often called the award the ‘Eiserner Halbmond’ (Iron Crescent), despite the fact that it was made of silver or cupro-nickel rather than iron, since it was seen as equivalent to the Prussian Iron Cross.
All awards manufactured within the Ottoman Empire had red-painted faces; those made in Austria and Germany, such as this example by B.B. & Co of Berlin, have red enamel faces. Since the European-made examples were often awarded to German and Austrian officers, a belief has grown up that the Medal was issued in enamel to officers and paint to other ranks. This was not the case; the Medal was issued in one class, the material used being dictated by the place of manufacture rather than the rank of the recipient.
