Numismatic Auction #22

TURKEY: Mehmet V, 1909-1918, AE medal, AH1330, Hilal-i Ahmer (Red Crescent) Medal, circular bronze medal with large decorative suspension bar with the toughra of Sultan Mehmet V below a white enamel bar inscribed in Arabic letters "Ottoman Red Crescent Association"; the face with a circular central white enamel medallion bearing a red enamel left-facing crescent, ornate scrolling to left and right, a laurel spray below and inscribed above in Arabic letters "Humane Assistance"; the reverse plain but for decorative scrolled tulips around the edge; on original parade-mounted ribbon with gilt-edged white enamel year bar, with pin for suspension with original ribbon, EF, RR. The medal was instituted in 1903 to reward outstanding meritorious service to the Ottoman Red Crescent Association. The Association was founded on 11 June 1868, at the same time as many Red Cross Societies. The medal was awarded from its inception in 1903 until the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The medal is hard to find, especially with its suspension and year bars.