Gallipoli Star (Iron Crescent) – Rare Variant with Ribbon
This is a rare variant of the Ottoman Empire's Gallipoli Star (also known as the Iron Crescent or Eiserner Halbmond), awarded during World War I.
The medal is made of silver-plated metal and features a five-pointed star with deep red enamel. At the center is a raised silver medallion displaying the tughra (imperial monogram) of Sultan Mehmed V, along with the date 1333 (1915 in the Gregorian calendar). A crescent moon, also in silver, partially encircles the central emblem, symbolizing the Ottoman identity.
What makes this piece especially rare is that it is suspended from a ribbon — a red and white striped one — rather than the usual pin or clasp. Most Gallipoli Stars were produced with a pin-back design; ribbon-mounted versions like this are uncommon and highly collectible.
Additionally, this medal is smaller in size compared to the standard pin-back version of the Gallipoli Star. The last photograph included is for comparison, displaying a regular-sized Gallipoli Star next to this ribboned version to illustrate the size difference.