Miniatures of the Middle East & Arab World

[oamotme]

Good morning from Riyadh,

The Arabic reads, 'Al Nil' (the Nile).

The miniature of the Republican Order of the Nile is a scarce item as the order is a one class order - star, sash and sash badge. I attach an image of miniature group to a South American minister or similar which includes such a miniature.

Kind regards,

Owain

P.S. Over the years I have acquired piecemeal - a full size breast star, a sash,  a case,  but no sash badge...........if there is one out there please let me know!

 

[Rusty Greaves]

Owain, thanks for your illustrations of these minis. It brings up another design aspect that I am curious whether you can help explain. This group above shows a number of "bands" or "wings" associated with the rosettes (gold-colored for the miniature Republic version of the Order of the Nile). We have had a lively discussion of these on another GMIC thread about the miniatures of the Venezuelan Orden del Libertador ("Venezuela-Order of the Bust of Bolivar-Question" started by lars001on 25 December, 2017 in the "Rest of the World: Military & History" section). First, I wonder if you know what the correct term for this decorative element is? Additionally, what do you know about any variation in the appearance or use of these "wings"? You illustrated a miniature Kingdom of Egypt Order of the Nile on 11 December, 2017 (lower left, 2nd from the left on the ribbon bar with 2 miniatures) that shows the ribbon rosette with a gold-colored set of "wings". I came across a couple images (below) from a current eBay auction showing a miniature of the Kingdom version of the Order of the Nile with silver-colored such "wings" on the ribbon. Although I've looked at several internet images of ribbons for this Kingdom of Egypt era award with rosettes (4th class), only your illustrated mini and the one below show these "wing" features. I am curious what information you can provide about these! 

Image of a miniature Order of the Nile medal from a group of 7 miniatures offered for sale together on a current eBay auction.  (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ribbon-Bar-7-MINIATURES-Order-medal-Belguim-France-Marocco-Sweden-Egypt-Italy-/372219657345)

Detailed view of the ribbon & rosette with silver-colored "wings" for the same miniature Order of the Nile medal, illustrated from a group of 7 miniatures on a current eBay auction. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ribbon-Bar-7-MINIATURES-Order-medal-Belguim-France-Marocco-Sweden-Egypt-Italy-/372219657345)

Edited April 2, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[oamotme]

In essence the wings and rosettes designate the class or degree of an order when worn in miniature:

• Gold & rosette - 1st Class
• Half gold / half silver - 2nd Class
• Silver - 3rd Class
• Rosette only - 4th Class
• Ribbon only - 5th class

As to what their technical term is, upon reflection I have no idea - there is probably a French word for them.

Owain

[Rusty Greaves]

Owain, thanks for the rapid reply & clarification. I just want to confirm what you've outlined means that the wings are only worn with miniatures for designating the class of the award? 

Here is another example of a miniature Kingdom-era Order of the Nile medal with some minor design variation compared with those previously illustrated. This is from a January 2018 auction on eBay. (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/372202693345?clk_rvr_id=1487114366260&rmvSB=true).

Obverse view of a Kingdom of Egypt-era miniature Order of the Nile from a past eBay auction. It is identified as made of silver and as the "5th Class" of this award, but probably is the 4th Class (because of the rosette on the ribbon) This example has a variation in the configuration of the suspension device that is seen in some examples previously illustrated on this thread. The most noticeable design variation from other examples shown in previous posts here is the narrower width of the Khedival crown portion of the suspension attaching to the link ring. (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Miniature-Medal-Group-1WW-Coronation-1937-and-Egypt-Order-of-the-Nile-5th-Class-/372202693345?rmvSB=true&clk_rvr_id=1487114366260&nma=true&si=EdnxlJchhEz4pHCHK4ZZ5CyX0a4%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

Reverse view of the same Kingdom of Egypt-era miniature Order of the Nile medal on a bar exhibiting 3 other miniatures as part of this group, from a January 2018 eBay auction (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Miniature-Medal-Group-1WW-Coronation-1937-and-Egypt-Order-of-the-Nile-5th-Class-/372202693345?rmvSB=true&clk_rvr_id=1487114366260&nma=true&si=EdnxlJchhEz4pHCHK4ZZ5CyX0a4%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)

[Rusty Greaves]

Here is another example of variant design execution on a miniature Order of the Nile. This image is from a current auction of La Galerie Numismatique/Sixbid.com

Miniature Order of the Nile identified correctly as the Officer version (4th Class) with some variant design elements. Unlike all other examples of miniatures shown in this thread, this medal features diamond facets only along the primary central rays of each arm on the star design and a very open set of fewer relief spheres forming the medallion margin for the inscription. This example appears to have no enamel in the inscription, it is unclear if this is a design variation or if the enamel could be missing for another reason. The given dimensions of the medal are 27 x 17 mm in diameter. Only the central medallion is identified as gilt (gold?). (https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=4662&category=133592&lot=3837425)

Edited April 2, 2018 by Rusty Greaves
correction

[922F]

Regarding use of wings and rosettes to indicate award grade, perhaps an Egyptian implementation regulation or other guidance exists to clearly define or regulate these marks.   Protocole [1947, p. 96] provides only that rosettes shall not exceed a 1 cm. diameter and that only one, of the highest award, may be worn at the button-hole in street attire.   However, Order of Ismail and Nile rosettes [at a minimum] exist in at least 7, 10 & 12 mm. diameter sizes

As Owain notes, wings and rosettes differentiate between grades of awards in many instances.  Exceptions do occur, such as addition of another type of device to suspension ribbons indicating degrees.  Examples include the U.S. Legion of Merit or Presidential Medal of Freedom.  As Owain suggests [because rosettes and wings seem to have originated in France], French seems the appropriate language to describe these distinctive class or rank indication marks.

Donc, d'un vendeur de détail français, en français: 

Pour Chevalier : un ruban fin de 1 à 3 mm de large à coudre au niveau de la boutonnière (existe également en « prêt à fixer » appellé fixe-ruban qui est un ruban monté sur agrafe (longueur du ruban apparent : 1,5 cm). Il existe une version spéciale pour dame, il s’agit d’un nœud qui permet de le fixer sur tout vêtement.

pour Officier : une Rosette de 6mm sur bouton ou pin qui se fixe au revers de veste au niveau de la boutonnière.

pour Commandeur : une Rosette sur galon blanc

pour Grand Officier : une Rosette sur galon blanc et or

pour Grand Croix : une Rosette sur galon tout or

 

Sizes for these appurtenances may be set by respective decoration description or statute but more often by practical usage or personal preference.  Galon translates as braid.  Usually galon blanc equates to silver braid and galon or to gold braid.  Cheaper substitutes may be used as well.

[oamotme]

Merci beaucoup. In addition to being worn on miniatures, the 'galon' (new word to me) is also worn in undress uniform when only the ribbons are worn.

With regard to the Order of the Nile, from my experience the badge of the 4th and the 5th class is the same with the class being differentiated by the rosette on the ribbon and the designation on the case of the award.

I attach another miniature group which I displayed in a Romanian thread on GMIC last year - there is also a Nile here - from the 'galon' it is a 2nd Class award.

Regards, Owain

[Rusty Greaves]

Below is a photograph identified as the Grand Officer Class miniature of the Egyptian Order of the Republic (Type II, unspecified variant of the post-1958 designs). Owain has illustrated a miniature of this medal here in this thread on 12 December, 2017, that is a Type II post-1958 design (see discussion below) and may have some greater detail in its execution compared with this medal (2nd photo, 4th medal from the right, with a green, white & red colored ribbon). That example shows at least 2 divisions in the blue enameled frame of the central medallion, possibly some differences in the length of the enameled arms compared with the rays of the embellishment star below, and has the Republic's eagle on the suspension device. Owain's example has slightly different ribbon colors from the correct colors illustrated below. 

From: the Liveauctioneers website, an auction listing of 23 November, 2013, Lot 0214. It is identified as silver gilt, 17 mm in diameter, with original suspension ring, ribbon, & rosette with galon exhibiting gold on L and silver on R, correct for the Grand Officer Class. Manufacturer is not specified. The design indicates this is a miniature for one of the later versions of the Order of the Republic award (see descriptions of the full-sized medals below).  (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/21114502_order-of-the-republic)

Below are a few examples of the full-sized Order of the Republic award to show design differences from the miniature. 

For comparison, here is a full-sized example of the GrandCordon (1st Class ) Order of the Republic in its earliest Type I form (1953-1958) with one of the five arms oriented to the top, light blue enamel on the arms, and an arabesques suspension device. Made by Tewfik Bichay. From eMedals, identified as c.1953, the sash badge measures 62 mm wide X 79 mm high. the chest star measures 92 mm wide X 93 mm high. (https://www.emedals.com/egypt-republic-an-order-of-the-republic-1st-class-grand-cordon-c-1953)

Picture of 1st Class breast star of the Order of the Republic, Type II form, from eMedals. Made by Tewfik Bichay, measures 79 mm X 79 mm in diameter. Note that one of the five arms is no longer oriented at the top the medal, the dark blue enamel on the arms, and the eagle suspension device. This design is identified as covering 1958-1971.  The Eagle of Saladin used during the UAR period (1958-1961) and 10 years following has 2 green stars in the central white enamel stripe. The sash badge (and neck badge) has the same form of the Eagle of Saladin with 2 stars, but is a solid casting with no enamel. (https://www.emedals.com/an-early-egyptian-order-of-the-republic-1958-1971-w1756)

 

Image of 1st Class Order of the Republic full-sized sash badge (R) and chest star (L) from eMedals. Made by Fahmy Tewfik Bichay, the sash badge measures 63 mm wide X 83.5 mm high and the chest badge measures 79.5 mm wide X 84.5 mm high. This is identified as the 1971/72 - present form of the design. It is nearly identical to the previous Type II example except for a few differences in the form of the Eagle of Saladin suspension device: the form of the eagle compared with the earlier example (or is this the Hawk of Quraish used in the Egyptian coat of arms 1972-84?, but also facing the viewer's left), the lack of the 2 stars in the central white enamel stripe in the shield on the eagle from the UAR period (and then until 1971?), and a slightly longer legend under the eagle bearing the name of the state "Arab Republic of Egypt" as on the shorter version of this scroll on the 1958-71 period. There is no enamel on the shield on the eagle for the sash (or neck) badges.  (https://www.emedals.com/the-egyptian-order-of-the-republic-grand-cross-set-w1759)

Full-sized examples of an interesting variant of the Order of the Republic also can be seen on the thread "An Egyptian Unit Award: The Military Order of the Republic", started by ChrisW on 27 January, 2017 here in the Middle East & Arab States section. In that thread, ChrisW describes & illustrates a variant of the Order of Republic awarded to military units, issued in a single class, that is identical in form with the 1st Class of the individual award (except for a 5-pointed star on the lower portion of the medal). ChrisW also provides several useful details on this award. His example of the Military Order of the Republic is a Type II example, with dark blue enamel on the arms and a post-1971 Eagle of Saladin suspension device. Owain illustrates an earlier version of this same award (Type I) in his post of 8 April, 2017 on that thread, which has the light blue enamel on the arms and an arabesques as the suspension device. 

Aslo see the thread "Egypt Order of Republic" started by Markus on 18 January,  2011 here in the Middle East & Arab States section for additional information on the full-sized awards. 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2018 by Rusty Greaves
correction of info

[Rusty Greaves]

Here is a photo of a miniature of the Egyptian Order of Independence of the Republic (Nisah al-Istiklal). Owain has (of course) previously illustrated 2 examples with slightly different configurations in his post on this thread of 12 December, 2017 (2nd photo, the 2 medals on the left). 

This example is identified as the "5th Class, Knight's award", although most sources I've seen only identify 3 classes. The dimension are given as 17 mm wide X 24 mm high, partially silver gilt with enamel. From Sixdbid.com/La Galerie Numismatique (https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=4662&category=133592&lot=3837429). Both of Owain's illustrated miniature examples from 12 December, 2017 each show different execution from each other and from this example. The leftmost example in his photo with a rosette on the ribbon has a galon indicating a 2nd Class award. 

For comparison, below are a few examples of the the full-sized medals for this Order.

image of a Grand Cross Class sash badge of the Order of Independence of the Republic from La Galerie Numismatique. Dimensions are 64 mm wide X 84 mm high (inclusive of the eagle suspension device). Silver, partially gilt, and enameled. (https://www.coins-la-galerie-numismatique.com/auction-xxix/order-independence-republic-egypt)

Chest star of the same Grand Cross Class set of the Order of Independence of the Republic from La Galerie Numismatique (apparently with some slippage of the silver embellishment for problematic orientation on this medal). The star measures 73 mm in diameter, silver gilt and enamel. (https://www.coins-la-galerie-numismatique.com/auction-xxix/order-independence-republic-egypt)

Example of the neck badge of the 3rd Class Commander version of the Order of Independence of the Republic from falera-e-orbis.com (https://www.falera-et-orbis.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=147). No dimensions given for this medal, however, other examples identified as 3rd Class medals from from Sixbid.com/La Galerie Numismatique give the dimensions as 56 mm wide X 80 mm high (https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=1845&category=37879&lot=1613256) or from La Galeri Numismatique as 63 mm wide X 93 mm high (https://www.coins-la-galerie-numismatique.com/auction-xxvii/order-independence-republic-egypt-0). The positioning of the gold rays of the medal over the silver rather than red enameled rays on the embellishment appears to be an incorrect configuration on this piece.  

This hallmark is shown in several internet examples of the full-sized medal for the 1st & 3rd Classes. Please forgive me if my ignorance of Arabic has let me illustrate this incorrectly, the orientation of photographs of the hallmarks are highly variable, even in this one it is shown two different ways (https://www.coins-la-galerie-numismatique.com/auction-xxix/order-independence-republic-egypt). Sixbid.com illustrates a Tewfik Bichy hallmark for a Grand Cross set from a Katz Coins Notes and Supplies auction, as does eMedals for a Grand Cross set and a probable 2nd Class set.   

Edited April 25, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[oamotme]

Gentlemen,

The Order of Independence, in five classes, demonstrates the change in designs from the monarchy series of awards to those of the republic. It is infuriating that to date I have been unable to locate any decree concerning the institution and the terms of award. To date I note at least two manufacturers:  Bichay (see below) and Fuchs -- the Fuchs mark illustrated above has been reversed - I seem to recall also seeing unmarked issues.  There are two obvious variations - a bright red issue and a dark red issue.

Kind regards,

Owain

[Rusty Greaves]

Owain, thanks for your information. So there are 5 classes, not 3 as many sources list? I'm grateful for your description of the bright red & dark red variations in the arms on the embellishment. I wasn't sure if some of the photos I looked at showed something like that or just color differences in how the photos were taken/processed. 

Here's an attempt to present the Fuchs hallmark form my last post in correct orientation-I feel really dumb about this-

Fuchs hallmark on L from the La Galerie Numsmatique 1st Class full-sized medal (https://www.coins-la-galerie-numismatique.com/auction-xxix/order-independence-republic-egypt). Fuchs hallmark on R from Sixbid.com/La Galerie Numismatique full-sized 3rd Class neck badge (https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=1845&category=37879&lot=1613256) 

An example from the falera-et-orbis website has this engraving on the reverse of the full-sized chest star of the 1st Class award (https://www.falera-et-orbis.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=241). 

The reverse of the 1st Class full-sized sash badge on the falera-et-orbis website shows the same reverse engraving (https://www.falera-et-orbis.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=241)

Edited April 26, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[oamotme]

The reverse plate, upside down, has been engraved as follows:

• Outer circle - 'Republic of Egypt'
• Inner circle - 'Asad Hal....?' ( name of the recipient)

I have a pair of such engraved pieces - 1st Class Order of the Republic - 'Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Distawy' & the Order of Merit - 'Mohammed Ali Hamed  Rashid'.

Owain

[Rusty Greaves]

Owain, do you know why the central inscription on the reverse of the Republic era Medal for Merit is calligraphically the same as on the obverse of the Order of Independence of the Republic? You illustrated the obverse of 2 miniatures of the Medal for Merit in you post of 13 December, 2017 showing a 1st Class (gold, 3rd from left) and a 2nd Class (silver, 4th from left). Good illustrations of all 3 classes of the 1984-present Type 4 versions of this medal are shown on the Medals of the World website (http://www.medals.org.uk/egypt/egypt-republic/egypt-republic018.htm).

Reverse of the Republic of Egypt Medal for Merit, identified as from 1954 (If so, then Type 1), from a recent auction listing on eBay. Compared with the Medals of the World illustrations, the eagle suspension device appears to have been attached backwards in this photo, or twisted (the eBay illustration of the obverse shows some deformation of the hole under the eagle's tail and the link does not appear attached in either image). (https://www.ebay.ca/itm/1954-Egypt-Military-Merit-Order-Badge-Medal-Wisam-Nichan-Sash-Solid-Silver/222945666193?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144)

 

Edited April 28, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[oamotme]

The word is Al-istahqaq on both (the merit) and  the calligraphy would suggest the design of the order and the medal (3 classes) came from the same 'stable'. There are two types of medal - suspension eagle/hawk - see below.

We are drifting away from miniatures.... 

Owain

Edited April 27, 2018 by oamotme

[Rusty Greaves]

Indeed, I have strayed from miniatures, let's get small...

Here is an example of a miniature of the Kingdom of Egyptian Medal for Devotion to Duty. Ed Haynes has a thorough discussion of the award and and high resolution images of the 1st Class (gold) miniature medal on a post of 25 January, 2007, in the thread "Arab Medals - Egypt" he started on 12 January, 2007, here in the Middle East & Arab States section (http://gmic.co.uk/topic/20809-arab-medals-egypt/?do=findComment&comment=143010). The medal I illustrate below appears to be lower resolution images of the same medal on Ed Haynes' post. Owain illustrated the obverse of a silver (2nd Class) miniature of this medal on 11 December, 2017 in this thread (bottom row, 3rd medal from L), and the reverse of that miniature on 12 December (bottom row, 3rd medal from L). Owain also illustrated the obverse of another silver mini of the Medal for Devotion to Duty from a Spink auction on 16 February in this thread (lower row, 2nd from L). 

 

miniature of the 1st Class (gold) Medal for Devotion to Duty showing the blue ribbon color (http://picssr.com/photos/kelisli/interesting/page171?nsid=7892156@N08).

Obverse of this same miniature of the 1st Class (gold) Medal for Devotion to Duty (http://picssr.com/photos/kelisli/interesting/page163?nsid=7892156@N08).

Reverse of this miniature of the 1st Class (gold) Medal for Devotion to Duty (http://picssr.com/photos/kelisli/interesting/page163?nsid=7892156@N08).

Here is an image of a miniature of the Khedive's Sudan Medal, 1910 in silver (also awarded in bronze). Obverse is on the L and reverse is on the R. (http://picssr.com/photos/kelisli/interesting/page63?nsid=7892156@N08)

Because the resolution of the image above is not good, here is an illustration from a Player's Cigarettes Card that shows the reverse detail well, and has a short description of the medal. (https://www.pinterest.com/offsite/?token=770-659&url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F78%2F95%2Fed%2F7895edbc6bb45e66543093224b8445fb.jpg&pin=7881368070921510&client_tracking_params=CwABAAAADDk5NTc1OTE3ODA0MwA~0). Ed Haynes also has high resolution images of the obverse & reverse of the full-sized bronze medal of this award (identifying it as being issued from 1910-1917) in his post of 6 July, 2007 on the thread "Arab Medals - Egypt" he started on 12 January, 2007, here in the Middle East & Arab States section (http://gmic.co.uk/topic/20809-arab-medals-egypt/?do=findComment&comment=189652). 

And yet another miniature Order of the Nile, identified as the Grand Officer Class, with correct galon for the 2nd Class. However, the galon orientation appears to be incorrect (gold on R, silver on L) on the above example. Owain's illustration of 2 April also shows a 2nd class with galon, but with the gold on the L and silver on the R, which is the correct orientation. The miniature Order of the Nile I illustrated on my first post of 2 April has the galon of the 3rd Class, Comander, all silver (or blanc). All of the other miniatues of the Order of the Nile illustrated in this thread with rosettes lack any galon, indicating they are the configuration of the 4th Class Officer award.

Obverse =https://www.flickr.com/photos/kelisli/3051549274; Reverse=https://www.flickr.com/photos/kelisli/3051549296/in/photostream/

Edited April 28, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

Here are 2 additional contrasting forms of miniatures of the Kingdom of Egypt Order of the Nile from an upcoming auction (lot 743) on The Saleroom for Spink & Son website (https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/spink/catalogue-id-srspi10178/lot-4ae690bd-4161-49c5-a4fa-a9140126190b). The Officer 4th Class medal (R) is identified as measuring 35 mm tall (including the crown suspension device) X 20 mm wide. The example on the left measures 26 mm (including the crown suspension device) X 15 mm. Materials identified as gold, silver-gilt and enamel. The significant variety of miniature forms of the Order of the Nile seems to be associated with the wide distribution of this award. This can be readily appreciated through the full-sized medal's common appearance in a range of historical portrait photographs of Egyptians and foreigners, as well as documents listing Khedivate Order of the Nile honors. 

Edited July 23, 2018 by Rusty Greaves
minor edit

[Rusty Greaves]

Here is a photo of another miniature of a Republic of Egypt Order of Independence (Nisah al-Istiklal). I illustrated one miniature of this award on April 25 in this thread and Owain has previously illustrated 2 examples (in this thread on 12 December, 2017; 2nd photo, the 2 medals on the left), all of these showing with slight differences in their configurations. This example is from Buy Military Medals/Stephen Wheeler Medals (https://buymilitarymedals.com/collections/egypt/products/miniature-egypt-order-of-merit-officer) and is identified incorrectly as an Order of Merit, and as the Officer class of this miniature. The silver galon indicates this is the 3rd Class of this award. No dimensions or manufacturer are identified for this medal. Unlike the miniature I illustrated on April 25, the silver rays are not colored green on this miniature, similar to the minis Owain has on his 12 December 2017 point (also note the full-sized example Owain illustrated here on April 25 that also has the uncolored silver rays). Owain mentioned the 2 variants with dark red & bright red enamel on the rays that alternate with the silver rays. It seems that some versions of this badge do have green coloration of the silver rays (see 4th photo showing a full-sized award that appears to have green rays - in addition to the incorrect configuration of the gold rays over the silver rather than the red enameled rays - in my post on this thread of April 25), some are just silver, and the tarnish on some examples makes it hard to tell whether there is coloring of these rays. What does anyone know about this design variation? 

 

Edited July 31, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

In Owain's introduction to this thread he mentions the Order of the Star of Jordan miniature. I recently came across a few illustrations of this miniature from three current eBay auctions. One of the examples below was identified as being manufactured by Huegenin of Switzerland, and the other two miniatures may also be the work of Huegenin (although unclear in the images the hallmarks on the reverse of the neck badge of the first set & the reverse of the third example, a miniature only,  the hallmark appear similar to that of the identified Swiss example).  

Miniature Jordanian Order of the Star (Wisan al-Kawkab al-Urdani) of the Second Class (Grand Officer), with the appropriate galon showing gold on L and white on R. This example was made by Huegenin of Switzerland and is part of a cased set (in the original presentation case) that includes the breast star, neck badge, miniature medal and extra ribbon (missing only the rosette). Below is an illustration of the boxed set from which this miniature comes, and the decoration of the case lid. The seller identities the name as "Wissam Nichan Kawkab", the "Star of Jordan". https://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-Order-of-the-Star-of-Jordan-2nd-Class-Set-Medal-Badge-Wissam-Nichan-Kawkab/302203118351?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20140602152332%26meid%3D66d50621cae745c4969f1256809510a5%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D291801171582%26itm%3D302203118351&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

 

Below is another cased set from the same eBay seller showing a complete set of the Second Class (Grand Officer) breast star, neck badge, miniature medal, rosette, and extra ribbon. The miniature has the correct 2nd Class galon with the correct color orientation of gold (L) and white (R). https://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-Order-of-the-Star-of-Jordan-Complete-Set-Medal-Badge-Wissam-Nichan-Kawkab/291808546978?hash=item43f12510a2:g:uEwAAOSwbwlXBShs

 

A third offering by this same seller on eBay, shown below, is for a miniature medal only of the 3rd Class (Commander) Order of the Star of Jordan. The miniature has the correct 3rd Class galon of white and is identified as measuring 20 mm in diameter. No manufacturer is identified, but the hallmark on the inferior ray of the reverse may be similar to that on the reverse of the above first illustrated full-size neck badge example on one of the photos included on the auction website listing.  http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=291801171582&t=1459956375000&tid=210&category=13976&seller=the-orient-treasures&excSoj=1&excTrk=1&lsite=2&ittenable=false&domain=ebay.com&descgauge=1&cspheader=1&oneClk=1&secureDesc=0

 

And below are yet two more examples of miniature Egyptian Order of the Nile medals from a recent picklock.co.uk/eBay listing. It is correctly identified as an Officer class version, the rosette without any galon indicating it is the 4th Class. https://picclick.co.uk/Miniature-Medals-Egypt-Order-of-the-Nile-officer-273439811096.html#&gid=1&pid=1

The form of the crown on the suspension ring is most similar to that shown in the miniature example I posted on 2 April, 2018, and what is visible of the calligraphy also is similar to that example.  The suspension component connecting the medal body to the decoration below the crown is longer than in the 2 April example. The faceted rays of the 10-armed star are different from the casting on that medal.

Edited October 3, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

Illustrated below are 7 Jordanian miniature medals from a current eBay auction. The medals are identified in the listing as 20 mm in diameter (same measurement for each) Several of these are mentioned by Owain in the introduction to this thread. Detailed descriptions of these and other Jordanian awards are provided by Ed Haynes in "Medals of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan" section of the International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia: https://web.archive.org/web/20080801014840/http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/medals/jordan.html and several of the full-size versions of these medals are illustrated here in GMIC on the "ARAB MEDALS --Jordan" thread started by Ed Haynes on 26, October 2006 in the "Middle East & Arab States" section. 

Obverse images of this miniature Jordanian set (except for the 5th from L example of the Medal in Memory of the War of 1939-45 that shows the reverse of this medal). The names given here come from Ed Hayne's descriptions to facilitate consultation of his greater online information about these awards. From left to right: the Order of Independence, galon & rosette indicate this is the 1st Class (Grand Cordon, see ribbon chart on Antonio Preto Barrio's site: http://www.coleccionesmilitares.com/cintas/asia/jordania1.gif) of this award (Wisam al-Istiqual); this second medal is certainly an alternate form of a miniature of the Order of Independence with an incorrect ribbon lacking the margin stripes of black & white (this is probably the solid purple color of the the Order of al-Hussein ibn Ali sash),  although the eBay seller appears to be identifying this as the Order of al-Hussein ibn Ali (Wisam al-Hussain ibn Ali) which would be both highly unlikely for the rarity of the award of this honor and it's return upon the death of the recipient as well as that Order consisting of a collar with an oval  medallion that also is the sash badge and chest badge (see http://www.royalark.net/Jordan/jordan4.htm and Ed Haynes' ARAB--MEDLAS-Jordan thread referenced above);  the eBay seller is identifying this as a WWII medal (see the last photo below, the label attached to the ribbon dimply says Jordan WWII), but I have not come across images, descriptions, or ribbon info that has helped me identify it; the Medal for the Campaign in Iraq and Syria 1941 (Wisam Jamati Suriya wa Iraq 1941); Medal in Memory of the War of 1939-45 (Wisam Zarari al-Herb al-Iradani Lasanat 1945-1939), according to Ed Haynes' descriptions of the obverse & reverse, this example shows the reverse in this image (see below for the actual obverse); the Long Service Medal (Wisam Sharat Taqdir al-Khidmat al Makhlisa al-Tuialat), this is an example with what is probably the suspension from an ornate straight bar; and the Medal for War Service (in Palestine), 1948  (Wisam al-Amalila al-Herbi Alm 1948).  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jordan-Group-of-7-Miniature-Medal-Badge-Order-WW-II-Military-Joint-Operations/292697139938?hash=item44261beae2:g:YlAAAOSwZgxbgVYf

 Closer view of the 5 medals on the L of the above image

Closer view of the 5 medals on the R of the first photo above

image of the reverse of the medals in the first photo. According to Ed Haynes, the 5th medal from the L actually shows the obverse of this medal, the Medal in Memory of the War of 1939-45.

[Rusty Greaves]

This same eBay seller also has a complete set of the Medal for the Battle of Karama 1968 (Wisam Ma'araka al-Karama 1968) medal that includes a full sized medal, the miniature, and extra length of ribbon, and the unraveleled ribbon for the bar (?) that shows the 2 gold laurel branches attachment to that ribbon.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Jordan-Set-of-2-Medal-Battle-of-Karama-Wisam-Maaraka-al-Karama-Order-Badge/292172445364?hash=item4406d5b6b4:g:SBoAAOSwXetZW7XE. Anthony Preto Barrio has illustrated King Hussein wearing the bar for this medal showing the gold laurel branches in the 3rd row dow, furthest left position on 10 February 2007 in the "ARAB MEDALS --Jordan" thread started by Ed Haynes on 26 October,  2006 here on GMIC. An high resolution image of the full-size medal is shown by heusy68 on 3 November, 2009 on that same thread "ARAB MEDALS --Jordan" as well.  This example is made by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. 

The seller identifies the diameter of the miniature as 20 mm in diameter and the full-sized medal as 40 mm diameter. 

 

Edited October 5, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

Here is another Jordanian miniature form the same eBay seller. This is the 1976 Order of Military Merit (Wisam al-Istahaqaq al-Askari). Ed Haynes describes this award in https://web.archive.org/web/20080801014840/http://faculty.winthrop.edu/haynese/medals/jordan.html

The mini is also part of a complete set of the breast star, neck badge, miniature, and extra ribbon. The manufacturer id Huguenin, Switzerland. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Jordan-Order-of-Military-Merit-Complete-Set-Medal-Badge-Wissam-Istihqak/302652410114?hash=item46777d4902:g:iJoAAOSwsZJaisag

The miniature is identified as measuring 20 mm in diameter. The galon and rosette indicate this is the 2nd class version of this award, that Ed Haynes states was awarded to brigadiers and colonels.

The breast star is identified as measuring 100 mm in diameter, Ed Haynes states the diameter is 98 mm for the second class.

The neck badge is identified as measuring 55 mm in diameter, Ed Haynes states the diameter is 52 mm worn on a 38 mm ribbon for the second class.

 

[Rusty Greaves]

Here is an image of the full-sized and miniature medals from a set of the Jordanian 1977 Silver Jubilee (25th year) Medal (Wisam al-Iwabil  al-Fazi) for King Hussein ibn Talal. The full-size medal is identified as 40 mm in diameter and the miniature is 20 mm in diameter. These were made by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. From recent eBay auction (the seller also illustrated 3 other sets of the full-sized and miniatures of this Silver Jubilee medals): https://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-Jordan-Silver-Jubilee-Medal-Badge-Order-Wisam-al-Iwabil-AlFazi-King-Hussein/301986186917?hash=item464fc786a5:g:cjgAAOSwEeFVOli-

Below is s slightly higher resolution image of the full-sized and miniature medals of the Jordanian Long Service Medal (Wisam Sharat Taqdir al-Khidmat al Makhlisa al-Tuialat), showing some details less visible in the image of this mini in the group of 7 Jordanian miniatures I posted on 5 October. The eBay seller identifies the full-sized medal as 40 mm in diameter and the mini as 20 mm in diameter. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-TransJordan-Jordan-Long-Faithful-Service-King-Abdullah-2-Medal-Order-Badge/301986182425?hash=item464fc77519:g:b7MAAOSwYGFU0pIA

Edited October 16, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

Here are two images showing the obverse (L) and reverse (R) of a miniature of the Egyptian Order of Ismail from the Worthpoint.com website, that identifies this as sold on eBay in 2014. This miniature medal is based on the design of the sash badge of the Grand Cordon (1st) Class, the neck star of the Grand Officer (2nd) Class (in addition to the chest badge), and the neck star of Commander (3rd) Class) of the Order of Ismail. The form of this mini resembles one example I illustrated in this thread on 6 December, 2017 (second photo, the left hand mini), although that example is gilt in gold rather than silver. I also illustrated a somewhat similar piece in the 4th photo posted here on 6 December, 2017 that is identified as a 3rd Class (Commander) version shown as a neck badge (but not necessarily a miniature) and is currently available through the faleris-et-orbis.com website. An additional piece with this form that is identified as an inexpensive miniature is shown in the 5th photo on my post of 6 December, 2017 on this thread. The miniature medal illustrated below is described as a "contemporary miniature" and is 18 mm tall (including the crown suspension) by 11 mm wide and is identified as silver. I have seen very few miniatures of the Order of Ismail, and the best executed examples are in the form used for the chest badge of the Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, and Officer Classes (see my illustrations [first & second photos] in this thread on December 6, 2017 and on 11 December, 2017; and Owain's illustrations from 11 & 12 December, 2017 on this thread [obverse shown in the top row on 11 December, 2nd from R; reverse shown on 12 December in the same position]). The galon of silver with the rosette suggests this is the 3rd Class of this award (Commander). However, possibly because of a lack of good illustrations of miniatures for each of the different class of the Order of Ismail, it is unclear to me what the form of many of the the miniatures would be. On the full-sized awards, the rosette is apparently only worn with the Officer (4th) Class, and the Officer's chest medal is in the form of the chest badge of the superior classes (not this form). I have not seen a galon on any of the few miniature examples I've come across, but again, the lack of complete illustrations of minis of the different classes of the Order of Ismail may be the reason for not having seen this configuration before. The Commander wears a neck star on a ribbon as the full-sized award that is similar to this medal's form, but no chest badge is part of the full-sized regalia. Perhaps this form with galon and rosette might distinguish the 2nd class mini from the 3rd class mini, if this neck star design was also employed as a miniature for the Grand Officer Class.  (https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/egypt-order-ismail-nishan-al-ismail-538036727)

Edited October 16, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Rusty Greaves]

I was recently looking up images of the Iranian Order of Homayoun medal in relation to a photograph of an Egyptian Royal Guard wearing the Order of Ismail and other medals. 922f was kind enough to identify some of the other medals I was unfamiliar with that the Guardsman was wearing, among them the Iranian Order of Homayoun. I found a few illustrations of miniatures of the Order of Homayoun that I am including below, as well as comparative full-sized medals because these don't seem to be well-illustrated here on GMIC. 922f has illustrated a miniature of the Order of Homayoun on this thread on 10 December, 2017 in the leftmost medal on the photo in that post, the ribbon having a rosette with no salon indicating it is the 4th Class of this award. In addition to some variations noted here, his example has another unique configuration of the sun's rays on the central enameled medallion and lacks the knotted wire suspicion device, also seen below in the 4th & 5th photos of the obverse & reverse and the close up of a same miniature, in the 6th photo as well, also of a 4th Class version of the medal.  

Below is an image of the miniature of what is probably the 5th Class version of the Knight's Cross version of this award from a 2018 auction by NumisBids (https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=2602&lot=4266). It is described as silver & enamel, measuring 15 mm in diameter (the full-sized medal measures  ~59 mm), and was made by Arthus Bertrand of Paris. 

 

Below is an illustration of the full-sized award for comparison; a 5th Class version of the Knight's Cross from a 2016 auction listing of La Galerie Numismatique from the Sixbid.com website (https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=3116&category=63942&lot=2606766). This example is identified as silver gilt with enamel, measuring 59 mm (in diameter), is hallmarked "800", and was made by Arthus Bertand, Paris. 

 

And below, is an illustration of a full sized example that is identified as either the sash badge (probably not) or a 5th Class Knights Cross (almost certainly) for the Order of Homayoun from a Goldbergs Auctioneers auction of 2018, archived on the Sixbid.com website (https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/goldberg-auctioneers/catalogue-id-srgol10019/lot-353997b1-3f3d-43e7-a59b-a93d01155489). I am including this image not only for the variation in the execution of the obverse design, but also because it shows the maker's (Arthus Bertrand of Paris) hallmark on the reverse. It is identified as silver gilt with enamel, measuring 60 mm in diameter. Details of the sun's rays and the lion's tail seem to be the most apparent variations in this version compared with the La Galerie Numismatique example. The sash badge of the 1st Class Grand Cross of this order has the 4 rayed embellishment, while the breast badges for the other classes are 8-rayed, and the neck badges have 6 rays. Most of the sash badges I have seen illustrated for the Grand Cordon have the suns rays radiating 360 degrees in the enameled central medallion, as does the chest badge (which also has green enameled central rays for each of the 8 embellishment rays). All the other classes have the rays extending only in the upper right third of the medallion design. There appears to be significant variation in the design details of not only the miniatures of this award, but among examples of the full-sized awards as well. 

 

Below is a miniature of the Order of Homayoun from a past eMedals auction (https://www.emedals.com/middle-east/iran/iran-order-of-lion-and-sun-w0068). The listing calls it the Order of Lion and Sun,  it is silver and enamel and measures 21mm in diameter. The rosette without galon indicates it would be the 4th Class of this award. Obviously the casting does not have the detail of other miniatures, it has much more abbreviated detailing to the enamel central medallion, and lacks the knotted wire suspension device.  

Obverse and reverse of this eMedals miniature of the Order of Hamayoun

Detail of the casting and central medallion of this miniature Order of Hamayoun from eMedals. 

Below is an image of a miniature of the Order of Homayoun is illustrated below from Frontiernet.net website:  (http://www.frontiernet.net/~jackiebush/pages/Rosette_Medals2.html). This example with 6 rays,  a rosette, and the galon of gold and silver (in correct orientation of gold on the L and silver on R) indicates this is the 2nd Class of this award. No dimensions or other information is provided about this miniature. 

 

Below is additional example of a miniature of the 2nd Class Order of Homayoun displaying differences in the execution, from the najafcoins.com website: (http://www.najafcoins.com/Pahlavi_Ghajar_Dec.htm)  &  (http://www.najafcoins.com/Images/o2702). The listing identifies it as the miniature of the Grand Cross Class, although the 6-rayed configuration, rosette,  galon, and the central medallion sun's rays only in the upper R third would indicate it is the 2nd Class. The listing states it is a "Special Class in gilt". It is unclear if the central medallion is enamel or painted, but the design is cast into the medallion and minimal coloration is present. Additionally, the twisted wire suspension is different from other miniatures. 

 

And for comparison, below is an illustration of the full-sized neck badge (6 rayed, and the chest badge is 8-rayed) for the 2nd Class Order of Homayoun from a past eMedals auction (https://www.emedals.com/an-iranian-order-of-homayoun-2nd-class-set). The full sized neck badge measures 77.5 mm tall by 67.5 mm wide. No manufacturer is identified for this set of neck badge and the chest star. 

Edited November 2, 2018 by Rusty Greaves

[Paul R]

The Middle Eastern awards are some of the most ornate I've seen.  I really love that Egyptian Order of the Nile.  Myself, my current focus is accumulating Iraqi Bravery Medals.