Orders, Decorations and Medals

Turkey, Order of Charity, a fine quality neck badge, in gold, silver and enamels, the reverse with applied gold star and crescent, lacking ribbon loop, good very fine £500-700

Founded by Sultan Abdul-Hamid II in 1878 as an award to females, both Turkish and foreign, for acts of charity. It was also, however, frequently awarded to favorites of the Sultan’s harem.