Another Turkish Star

[Tim B.]

Okay, let's try this one again...hopefully with better results this time.

After returning the last TWM, I was given an opportunity by the dealer to get a refund or, behind door number 2...

Please let me know what you think.
Tim

[Tim B.]

The dimensions are as follows:

Weight: 22.8 grams

Width of the star tips: 55.85 mm (Keep in mind this one is really vaulted)

Thickness of the Star arms are 1.8 - 1.9 mm thick

I measured the hinge at the bottom of the base (widest part): 10.84 mm

The crescent measured just under the star arms: 28.72 mm wide.

[Tim B.]

This one is of 7-rivet construction.

[Tim B.]

Here's a PIC of the catch and hinge style. You can also get a feel for the vault.

Some items I note:

- The catch, hinge and pin are of considerably lighter colored metal compared to the base metal of the star and crescent. Almost has an aluminum look to it, including the hinge pin. I would even say the rivets and thus the front attachments appear to be made of this material as well. Not sure what to think of the patina then.

- There are signs of this lighter color in the recesses of the base metal noted mainly around the hinge area. I understand this is more common on the later produced pieces (30's era) and not so much on the earlier ones, but with so many rivets, I am confused on a possible manufacturing timeline.

- The rivet holes are rather rough around the edges.

[Tim B.]

Another shot of the side showing the extreme vault. Has a really nice look to it vaulted like this! I tried but could not capture the edge striations in this PIC, but there are very fine uniform lines along the edges.

[Tim B.]

Here's a closeup of the tugrha and surrounding area. Note the holes; Is it possible that this might be another later example made by manufacturer AWS? With this style pin on the reverse, I would be thinking post WW1, perhaps mid-late 30's or even early 40's.

Also note the diamond shape base design under the red enamel. This appears pretty uniform and symmetrical throughout. One question I have on the enamel is there appears to be small bubbles in the enamel, some very miniscule and a few larger ones here and there. These are not visible to the naked eye (not mine anymore anyways), but are noticable under a 10X loop. Is this to be expected? My BB&Co. does not have these. I also see a couple of pin marks in the enamel near the right side of the center.

Last note; you can see the holes where the center attachments were riveted. Appears these holes were drilled out. Top of the tugrha and under the date are most notable in this PIC.

[Tim B.]

Okay, I'll stop for now. I do have more PICS and of course more questions, but want to hold off until I hear from some of the more knowledgeable TWM collectors here. I will also be posting this one over at GMIC in case someone sees it over there. I'll link them later.

Thanks for any help. I like this one, but there are things that I need to have answered.

Cheers!
Tim

[Don D.]

I'd keep it.

[Tim B.]

Thanks Don! I hope to this time.

These are a little harder than I originally thought.
Tim

[TerryG]

Looks nice! Another interesting variation, with a rather broad pin this time. Odd about the holes you can see in the enamel...?

[Mike Kenny]

Hi Tim,

This one I like!

I've seen similar hardware on Prussian and (I think) Oldenburg 1st Class crosses.

Regards
Mike

[Tim B.]

Thanks for looking guys!

Yes, the broader style pin kind of reminded me of the German style badges, but after a few more people have commented here, I will show another one very similar to this one with only four rivets and a pin that looks even more German style in nature.

I have my fingers crossed, but still have that knot in my gut for now.
Tim

[VtwinVince]

Superb example. I have an identical one, which was turned into a pendant by the widow of the recipient. It's also engraved.

[Tim B.]

Wow,

Can you post some PICS when you time?
Tim

[Rich G]

Tim

There's a roughness to this one that I personally don't like, especially to the crescent moon - it's looks pitted. Maybe that's the photos as they are grainy.

From the pics, the pin and hinge look white. Are they? (Frosted??) Looks unusual to me. Never seen the flawed enameling before. Just voicing some personal concerns - my experience with these is limited.

Rich