Egypt - Khedive's Star (1882-1891)
Country: Egypt (Khedivate of Egypt)
Instituted by: Khedive Tewfik Pasha
Campaigns Covered:
Anglo-Egyptian War (1882)
Mahdist War (1884-1891)
Dimensions: 45.27 x 46.85 mm
Material: Bronze (lacquered, darkened finish)
Manufacturer: Henry Jenkins & Sons, Birmingham
Condition: Please refer to images for details
Historical Background
The Khedive’s Star was established as a campaign medal by Khedive Tewfik Pasha to recognize military personnel who participated in the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882 and subsequent military operations in Egypt and Sudan (1884-1891).
It was awarded alongside the British Egypt Medal to British and Indian Army troops who took part in the campaigns. Some Egyptian civilians also received the medal for non-military contributions.
The British victory in 1882, which secured Khedive Tewfik Pasha’s rule, led to the medal’s creation as a token of appreciation to the British and Indian forces. The Khedive’s Star was worn with permission on British military uniforms. The award was later replaced when the reconquest of Sudan began in 1896.
Design & Features
Obverse:
Five-pointed bronze star with a lacquered darkened finish.
Central design: Sphinx with pyramids in the background, within a ring inscribed “EGYPT” and the corresponding campaign date.
Arabic inscription above the central motif.
Reverse:
Features the crowned monogram of Khedive Tawfiq Pasha.
Suspension & Ribbon:
Suspended from a dark blue ribbon via a bar decorated with a crescent and star, symbolizing the Khedivate of Egypt.
Issuance & Naming:
Issued unnamed, though some recipients engraved their details privately.
Manufacturer:
Produced by Henry Jenkins & Sons, Birmingham, the same firm that crafted the Kabul to Kandahar Star (1880).
Significance & Collectibility
The Khedive’s Star remains a highly collectible piece of British military history, as it was awarded to British and Indian soldiers who served in one of the most strategic and politically significant conflicts of the 19th century. It holds historical value for collectors of British, Egyptian, and colonial military medals.