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

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.IRN.0111.104.01.000

Estimated market value:

$2500+ USD

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

Estimated market value:

$2500+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Iran
  • Makers
    Arthus Bertrand, Paris
  • Composition
    Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Rev: [PERSIAN INSCRIPTION]
  • Size
    47x47mm
  • Version Remarks
    The Star features the maker's mark "AB&C" on the ring. The featured images depict a badge with the suspension ribbon worn the wrong way.

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 I 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.

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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