Military Order of Zolfagher (Ḏu’l-faqār), II Class

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.IRN.0111.103.01.000

Estimated market value:

$4300 USD

  • Military Order of Zolfagher (Ḏu’l-faqār), II Class
  • Military Order of Zolfagher (Ḏu’l-faqār), II Class Reverse

Estimated market value:

$4300 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Iran
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Rev: [PERSIAN INSCRIPTION]
  • Size
    63mm
  • Version Remarks
    This example was sold by Beaussant-Lefevre for €3,500 in May 2017.

Physical Description and Item Details


Iran - Order of Zolfaghar, founded in 1925, commander's jewel in the shape of a five-pointed star dappled in white enameled vermeil with orange-red edging, angled with glories loaded with two crossed Zolfaghar scimitars, in the center of obverse, in a large frame guilloche, a miniature painted with the enamel of Imam Ali holding in his right hand the guard of the sacred saber on a radiant yellow background, on the reverse on an orange-red background the legend in Persian meaning "bravery", large ball bail, with ring and loop of mobile tie, punch to the head of a boar and from the house of Arthus-Bertrand, without ribbon. Very rare.
63 mm.

History


The Military Order of Zolfagher, or Ḏu’l-faqār, was established by Reza Shah the Great in 1925 to replace the Qajar Order of Ali. The Order of Zolfagher was created as Persia's highest military honour and was originally awarded to Officers and enlisted personnel for demonstrations of gallantry or exceptional courage in action. Personnel who were injured or killed while in the line of duty were also eligible for the award. After the institution of the Order of Sepah, the Order of Zolfagher was only rewarded for service in foreign wars.

The Order is named after Ali's sword and may also be known as the Order of the Scimitar.

The II Class features Persian script for "Reshadat" and translates to "Valour."

It is believed that the Order was awarded in 3 Classes. A special class which features a breast star and sash badge is also believed to have been instituted and worn only by Muhammad Reza Shah himself after his survival of an attempted assassination in 1949. It is uncertain if the special class was instituted as a subsequent class, or if it was conferred as the I Class. More research is needed.

The II Class is thought to be worn from a neck ribbon.

There may be additional classes and medals associated with the Order, but more information is needed.

There may be additional versions which differ by design and composition.

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