Original, Minty, Turkish Iron Half Moon aka "Gallipoli Star", Officer Version

Description

The Ottoman Empire GREAT WAR medal created as the Iron Crescent and known in Germany and Austria-Hungary as the Gallipoli Star. This decoration was created by Sultan Mahmed V in early 1915 in once class to members of the Ottoman Empire and it’s Allies at the battle of Gallipoli. The British tried unsuccessfully to conquer the narrows of the Dardanelles and to penetrate into the heart of the Ottoman Empire. They were beaten back by Turkish and German soldiers in one of the bloodiest battles of the Great War. This particular medal is an extraordinary rare Officer’s version of the medal. The original issue piece was quite simple and since the order for German Soldiers in the service of the Sultan had high prestige value, these Half Moons were made in Germany for Officer’s in a much higher quality. A beautifully crafted version ( larger than the original Half Moon/Gallipoli Star) is what is offered here.