The Order of Rafidain

A Grand Cordon set of the Order: collar in gilt Silver, composed of six octagonal medallions bearing a palm on a rural landscape within green enameled border; six similar medallions, but bearing the embossed image of one of Nineveh’s Assyrian-Babilonian sphynxes; twelve geometrical links in the moresque style, all kept together by short segments of chains composed of oval rings; to the forward link, the Order’s badge is appended, as a green enameled, gilt Silver five-pointed star with intricate ornamentation, flanked by stylized, white and green enameled cotton blossoms, resting on dark-red enameled base; the star’s tips with ball finials enriched with brilliant-cut stones; golden centre medallion with black enamel-filled Arab, calligraphic inscription, within outer circlet completely set with brilliant-cut stones; above, hinged, roughly oval laurel wreath with loop to link the badge to the collar itself or to appendit to its original, full-length sash riband; Breast Star of typical, circular design, with a pattern of narrow, polished beams, the centre, same as the collar’s badge, in gilt Silver, enamels and brilliant-cut stones; polished reverse, fitted with vertical pin; the whole, in the original, dark red, large presentation case with gold embossed Iraqi coat of arms to the lid and ivory-velvet fitted inner compartment for the collar, the star and the sash. An outstandingly rare set of the highest order of the new Irak, instituted during the presidency of Barham Salih (in charge, 20182022), and awarded in very few cases, f.i. to the U.S. President, to Queen Elizabeth II and to the Secretary General of the UN; excellent condition and the sole complete set available on the market. Dim.: the collar, l. 102,0 cm; the badge, 88,0 x 67,0 mm.; the star, dia. 80,0 mm. I RR!