The Hedjaz Railway Fund Medal (Hicâz Demiryolu Madalyası)

Gold Medal, 30 mm., depicting a steam locomotive surmounted by the Tughra of Sultan Abdulhamid and the year “1318” (1900) below, the whole within laurel wreath, the reverse with long, Arabic calligraphic inscription “The Medal reserved to the patriots who have supported the Hamidiye Hedjaz Railway”, originally pierced to the upper border, golden link ring and flat, horizontal suspension bar with original, silk ribbon.
A very rare medal, issued in 1901, from the few ones struck in gold, given to those persons who gave their financial support for the construction of the railway from Damascus to Mecca, excellent condition. I RR!