The Order of Privilege (Nişân-ı Imtiyâz)

A Badge of 1st Class: oval, gold medallion embossed with the Sultan’s Tughra within six-pointed star, in an outer circlet set with 32 Diamonds, the whole enclosed in a richly-made star composed by 16 rays set with 5 diamonds each and 16 rays set with 3 diamonds each; oval, golden reverse centre medallion, embossed with the “Darbhâne-i Âmire” mark of the Imperial Ottoman Mint; upper, round loop and suspension ring with triangular, forward face.
An extraordinary piece in the highest class, of the first-born Turkish award organized as an order, from ca. 1851-52; excellent condition and of the highest rarity.
Dim.: the badge, 54,0 x 42,0 mm.
Bibliography: Edhem Eldhem, “Pride and Privilege”, Istanbul, Ottoman Bank, 2004, pp. 99, 104. I RR!