An unusual two-colour gold box incorporating the Turkish Order of the Crescent, J. & W. Marshall, Edinburgh, 1857

oblong, engraved with the crest and motto of Carruthers, the base with the medal, on one side dated 1801 with the tughra of Sultan Murad III, the other with the Turkish star and crescent

Excellent condition except for slight wear on base. Heavy for size (111g).
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The crest and motto on the lid are those of the Carruthers family and their coat of arms incorporates fleurs-de-lis as engraved on the ground of the lid. 
The Order of the Crescent had been instituted in 1799 by Sultan Selim III when he wished to reward the Christian admiral, Lord Nelson, for his victory at the battle of the Nile. At that time extant Turkish orders could only be awarded to Muslims. This Order was thereafter reserved for British military and naval officers fighting with the Turks against Napoleon's forces in the Eastern Mediterranean and was terminated by 1807.It is not known who received this medal as there was no official list of who was awarded the Order. One can assume that the box was made by a descendant of the original recipient but as there is a gap of some 60 years between the medal and the box, one cannot be sure that his surname was Carruthers. The medal is of the size awarded to staff or flag officers.

The medal is that of the Turkish Order of the Crescent. This Order was instituted in 1799 by Sultan Selim III when he wished to reward the Christian admiral, Lord Nelson, for his victory at the battle of the Nile . At that time all the extant Turkish orders could only be awarded to Muslims. The order was thereafter reserved for British military and naval officers fighting with the Turks against Napoleon's forces in the Eastern Mediterranean and was terminated by 1807. There is no official list of those who were awarded the medal.