Ottoman Empire/World War I - Order of the Mecidiye, 1st class jewel in diamonds.

Ottoman Empire/World War I - Order of the Mecidiye. Jewel for 1st class in diamonds. This piece from the last third of the 19th century comes from the family estate of Prussian Field Marshal August von Mackensen (1849-1945), more precisely from the succession of his son Manfred von Mackensen (1886--1945, member of the government council) and his descendants. This jewel is extremely rare to find! In silver and gold, set with approx. 179 old-cut and rose-cut diamonds and has a total carat weight of almost 5.0 ct. 3 stones are missing. Medallion in gold with enamel work, the enamel cartouches have been subsequently glued in places and the inner circle with the name of Sultan Abdülmecid I appears to have become detached in the past and has been glued back in place. The maker's mark and hallmark can be found on the reverse, which is also gilded. According to an X-ray fluorescence analysis, the crossed sabres show an almost similar material composition to that of the gold cartouches with enamel work. The test results can be sent on request. In a case that does not come with it. Apart from the contemporary signs of age and wear, the condition of the jewel can be assessed as 'very beautiful' and 'well preserved'. This Ottoman civil and military order of merit with five classes (1st to 5th class) was established in August 1852 by the Ottoman Sultan Abdül-Mejid I (1823-1962). During the First World War, the awarding of all classes with crossed sabres was introduced. The 1st class was awarded as a special decoration set with stones, with the insignia almost entirely adorned with diamonds and/or diamond roses. After the proclamation of the Republic, the order was abolished in 1922, as were all Ottoman decorations. Anton Ludwig Friedrich August Mackensen, later known as von Mackensen (December 6, 1849 in Leipnitz - November 8, 1945 in Burghorn), was a Prussian field marshal whose impressive career included decisive strategic victories in the First World War. Originally from a middle-class background, he advanced to become aide-de-camp to Kaiser Wilhelm II and was ennobled in 1899. Here is a closer look at his successes in the First World War: During the First World War, an unusual alliance formed between the German Empire, which included Prussia, and the Ottoman Empire. This alliance was essentially driven by strategic interests and geopolitical considerations. The Ottoman government, under the leadership of Sultan Mehmed V, decided to side with the Central Powers, which included Germany, in 1914. This decision was influenced by several factors, such as geostrategic considerations: The Ottoman Empire was in a strategically difficult position, surrounded by the warring allies, particularly Russia to the north and Great Britain to the south. The alliance with Germany offered the possibility of obtaining powerful support against these threats. The Ottomans hoped for military support from Germany to strengthen their defensive capabilities. In particular, they hoped for help against Russia in the Caucasus and against the Allies in the Middle East region. The cooperation between Prussia and the Ottoman Empire manifested itself in various military operations, including Mackensen playing a prominent role in the warfare of the Central Powers and, together with his chief of staff Hans von Seeckt, was regarded as the 'architect of strategically important victories'. Particularly noteworthy were the victories at Gorlice-Tarnَw (May 1-3, 1915), Brest-Litovsk, Pinsk, Belgrade (1915) and Romania (1916). His army group was the first to succeed in capturing a (main) city such as Belgrade. His troops were particularly effective in coordinating attacks, which led to territorial gains such as the substantial conquest of Serbia. These military successes led to Mackensen being appointed field marshal in 1915. It is therefore not unreasonable that he was also awarded the Order of the Mecidiye 1st Class by the Sultan. Despite ultimately losing the war, his reputation as an invincible army commander remained intact. Mackensen spent the last two years of the war as military governor in Romania and helped to preserve his aura as a respected military strategist beyond the time of the German Empire.