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Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 233

An unusual Royal Iraqi presentation pocket watch

Open faced pocket watch, by Elgin, rolled gold with a cream dial, gilt Arabic numerals and hands with subsidiary seconds dial, reverse features engraved Iraqi crown, engraved Arabic date and signature of the Regent of Iraq Prince Abdul Illah, marked 'Keystone No. 51748, Movement No. 36762605', not presently running, but in otherwise good condition, in its fitted case of issue

This pocket watch was owned by Major Raymond Dixon Firth, Royal Army Medical Corps and Medical Officer to King Faisal and the Iraqi Royal Household. Case contains a handwritten note from Dr. Firth, reading 'This watch... was given to me in London 1959 by Col. Salman Dargazelli "on behalf of the Free Iraqi Officers". It had been presented to him in 1941 by the Regent of Iraq in recognition of his loyalty in the Rashid Ali revolt. Col. Dargazelli returned to Baghdad under promise of safety, but was shot dead by Saddam Hussein in person'.

For a biographical note on its owner Dr. Firth, please see Lot 232.

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Estimate
£140 to £180

Starting price
£110