Iranian Order of Zolfaqar star

[Mitya Ivanov]

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the only recipient of the 2nd class star of the highest military award of the Empire of Iran - the Order of Zolfaqar. It is impossible to find any photos of this star. You can see it only on the photoportraits of the Shahanshah. My friend Michael Shelkovenko and me created this reconstruction for the book of my friend Dr. O. James Younessi about orders and medals of the Pahlavi era (to be published soon). Painting by Michael Shelkovenko. No copy-pastes, no photoshop, no corel, nothing. The artist's hand only:) Finished yesterday.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Mitya Ivanov

[Mitya Ivanov]

Michael Shelkovenko and me reconstructed the image of the first-grade star of the Order of Zolfaqar. It was designed 90 years ago but the 1st class star was never materialized: no-one ever was awarded with it, so no photos of the star ever existed. Our reconstruction is based on a couple of these poor presentations. Iranian Iconography of Imam Ali was also carefully studied.

Edited November 19, 2014 by Mitya Ivanov

[Paul R]

It is a beautiful award. How is the portrait painted in the center? What is it made of?

[Mitya Ivanov]

It was planned to be an enamel painting (miniature).

Edited November 19, 2014 by Mitya Ivanov

[Dr Ali Kolahdooz]

On 12/11/2014 at 18:11, Mitya Ivanov said:

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the only recipient of the 2nd class star of the highest military award of the Empire of Iran - the Order of Zolfaqar. It is impossible to find any photos of this star. You can see it only on the photoportraits of the Shahanshah. My friend Michael Shelkovenko and me created this reconstruction for the book of my friend Dr. O. James Younessi about orders and medals of the Pahlavi era (to be published soon). Painting by Michael Shelkovenko. No copy-pastes, no photoshop, no corel, nothing. The artist's hand only:) Finished yesterday.

I doubt if it was a second class.Shah never wore a second class medal