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MILLON RIVIERA

249 - ARABIAN PENINSULA - Saudi Arabia, 1971 An 18k (750 thousandt…
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Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
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Description
ARABIAN PENINSULA - Saudi Arabia, 1971 An 18k (750 thousandths) gold "Shamshir" scimitar-type ceremonial sword. The walrus-tooth hilt set with emeralds and diamonds, mainly old-cut and rose-cut, on the pommel, the spindle and the ends of the quillons. The pommel is surmounted by an octagonal plate in 18k (750 thousandths) gold engraved with the monogram "AAB" for Ali Aref Bourhan. The hilt has straight quillons, embellished with 18k (750 thousandths) gold plates with rich openwork decoration of flowers and arabesques, and finished with facetted balls set with diamonds and emeralds. The scabbard covered with 18k (750 thousandths) gold plates with openwork decoration of flowers and foliage, set with rubies (?) at the end and engraved with the recipient's name "ALI AREF BOURHAN 25 - 11 - 1971". Curved steel blade engraved with flowers and arabesques (greased). In a black velvet case with midnight green satin interior with label from TBZ jewellers in India stating "TRIBHOVANDAS BHIMJI ZAVERI / CGVT APPROVED VALUES". L.: blade: 82 cm. Total length : 105 cm. Gross weight of the scabbard : 700 g. Total gross weight : 1400 g. (Minor scratches and dents, minor stone chips, one screw to be refixed). Provenance : offered by an emir in Saudi Arabia to M. Ali Aref Bourhan, politician and great grandson of Aboubaker Ibrahim known as Aboubakler Pacha, governor of Zeyla and neighbouring regions. Ali Aref Bourhan (1934 - 2025) was one of Djibouti's leading political figures before independence. President of the Governing Council of the French Territory of Afars and Issas between 1967 and 1976, he played a central role in diplomatic relations between the Horn of Africa, France and the Arab world. The sword presented for sale is a prestigious diplomatic gift presented to Ali Aref Bourhan by the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia. Richly ornamented and engraved, this ceremonial object symbolises the bonds of esteem and privileged relations between the region's leaders and the Arab monarchies in the 20th century.
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About the sale A collector's world tour: Asian and Oriental art
Auction location
Auction time 06/25/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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