A GEM-SET GOLD BROOCH

This brooch is set with rubies, diamonds, emeralds, black sapphires. Its upper stellar element consists of a minute model of the Order of Distinction (Nişan-i Imtiyaz) originally created by Sultan ‘Abd al-Hamid I which was awarded for outstanding services rendered to the Ottoman empire. The lower element is a typical trophy composed of flags, swords and hallebards often seen on Ottoman silver and arms and armour.