Ottoman War Medal (aka Gallipoli Star). Silvered alloy with perfect enamels. Patina. Probably German made. Extremely fine condition. 63 x 64 mm. The Ottoman War Medal was a gallantry decoration instituted by order of the Sultan on 1 March 1915. In the centre of the badge inside the crescent is the cypher of Sultan Mehmed V and characters representing the words, 'The Victorious'. Below this is the Muslim calendar date 1333 - equivalent to the year 1915 in the western Gregorian calendar. It was awarded for distinguished war service and officers and enlisted personnel from both the Ottoman Army and Navy were eligible to receive it. Military personnel from the Ottoman Empire's wartime allies, Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria, could also be awarded it. There were some variations in its manufacture with zinc, iron and other base metals all being used by different producers. There was also enormous variation in the quality of the red enamel used. Hand-crafted high-quality versions were made by jewellers for private purchase by officers unwilling to wear a mass-produced badge. Will be adequately packaged and shipped with with Track & Trace.