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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 189

A very rare sword of the Iraqi Order of Qadissiyah Saddam

Iraq, Republic, Order of the Qadissiyah Saddam, sword of the Order, approximately 1.14m, including its scabbard, overall ornately finished with cabochon and semi-precious stones, all the fittings of superb quality finish in silver (approximately 1.78kg) and silver-gilt, wooden handle and leather scabbard cover, blade with its Iraqi inscription, the fittings and scabbard embellishments all refurbished and re-assembled by Fattorini, good very fine, housed within a bespoke Thomas Fattorini fitted case

The Iraqi Order of Qadissiyah Saddam was instituted in three classes to reward to Commanders who achieved great success in the battles fought during the Iraq-Iran War of 1980-88. The Order takes its name from one of the decisive battles of the early years of Islam. In 636AD a Persian army, was defeated at the Battle of Qadissiyah, and this victory liberated what is now the region of Iraq from Persian rule and established the rule of Islam.

The sword was instituted by Revolutionary Command Council Resolution No. 499 on 11 June 1986. The design is based upon the swords which make up the two Arcs of Triumph or the Swords of Qadissiyah, at either entrance of the parade ground in Baghdad, and which were built between 1986 and 1989 to commemorate the Iran-Iraq war. The monument is the work of the Iraqi sculptor Adil Kamil and apparently based upon an idea of Saddam Hussein. After Kamil's death in 1987 the work was continued by the artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat.

It is understood the initial manufacturing order requested 100 swords be manufactured by Catene D'Italia, Arezzo, but only 20 were manufactured due to sanctions from the United Nations. Of these, just 11 are known to have been issued, including the 'King of Clubs', Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, a Field Marshal and Vice Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council, considered to be the 'right hand man' of Saddam Hussein.

The inscription upon the blade translates as:

'Made from the Weapons of Martyrs
Of the Glorious Qadissiyah Saddam and the Iraqi's women's Gold
Qadissiyah Saddam's Sword
Donated to Support the Steadfastness of the Fighters in Defence of the Great Iraq.
Hazim Qasim
AH 1407 AD 1986'

One is know to be held by The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, Columbus, Georgia, whilst another example was known in the United Arab Emirates.

Note: Due to the size and nature of this object please contact our Auction Team to discuss shipping options.


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Sold for
£3,800

Starting price
£3500