Eiserner Halbmond / Harp Madalyası

[HPL2008]

The most recent addition to my collection is this Turkish War Medal (Harp Madalyası, known in Germany as the Eiserner Halbmond [Iron Crescent] and commonly referred to as a "Gallipoli Star" in the English-speaking world.)

Large numbers of this decoration were awarded to Turkish troops as well as those of the other Central Powers. The Turkish issue pieces were rather simple and straightforward affairs, of one-piece construction and lacquered.

German and Austrian recipients usually preferred to replace them with superior-quality enamelled versions which were available from numerous German and Austrian manufacturers in a wide variety of styles and variants.


Obverse view:




Detail view of the center. The large elaborate design is the tughra (cypher/seal) of Sultan Mehmed V, below it is the year of institution 1333 (i.e. 1915):




Additional obverse views:










Reverse views. The decoration is of multi-piece construction, with the crescent and the other obverse elements individually attached by a total of nine rivets:





As always, all comments are welcome.

[Chopperman]

Nice
While I don't personally collect these, I completely understand the appeal.
Some of the high end, private purchase pieces are beautiful awards.

[harryamb2]

I like them very attractive awards.

[SteveR]

Good looking award friend.