Early 1st Class Breast Star with rays imitating the embroidery, superimposed by a smaller star, whose rays are alternated with crescents and stars; centre medallion in GOLD with the Sultan’s Tughra; red enameled outer circlet, with applied golden, red enameled cartouches bearing the inscriptions “HAMİYYET – GAYRET – SADÂKAT – SENE 1268” (1851), all chiselled by hand; the reverse with 7 eyelets to fasten the star to the habit, broad counter-medallion and vertical pin.
An important, very imposing and extremely rare piece of Turkish manufacture, dating from the institution of the Order in 1852, with an imposing appearance; extremely fine condition. A star, probably made by the same jeweller (but of 2nd Class) is published in Edhem Eldem: “Pride and Privilege”, Istanbul, 2004, page 196).
Dim.: 106,0x111,0 mm. I RR!