I posted some Iraqi items a couple weeks ago and there was some interest in seeing these pieces. I finally figured out my scanner so here it goes. These were taken from one of Husseins palaces outside Baghdad, on 05 April 2003. Greg
-
-
Very interesting. A buddy of mine just mailed me a chair that came out of one of Saddam's palaces. Does the silverware have any markings that would make you know that they are Iraqi? Eagles? Arabic? I am sure these came from where you said they did, but am sure they were usually reserved for foreign guests or Iraqis who had been educated in Europe or overseas. Most Iraqi soldiers that I met in 1991 used their right hands.Originally posted by greg.hays
Allan -
Hi Allan, yeah pretty crappy scan, I'll give you a close-up of the handle of the butter-knife. This crest is present on all three pieces. It's an eagle with arabic writing under the talons. We took these from a case with the same symbol and writing on the top. Unfortunately I lost in my attempts to get the case as well. GregComment
-
Greg,Originally posted by greg.hays
Thanks for the close-up. These are very interesting items.
AllanComment
-
Is this the logo on the knife?Cheers, Frank
Comment
-
Alot of these items are making their way back. If your going to collect Iraqi or Iraqi high leader personality items now is the time, I've seen alot of unique items so far..Comment
-
Yes Frank, that is the company that produced these pieces. How did you know? Is there no end to your knowledge
. Greg
Comment
-
@Greg: Christofle is THE company to produce silver tableware for the upper class. At least it is very hip (in the European society) to own Christofle silverware since the 70ies/80ies, even for "common" people. You probably have other companies setting these standards in the US, but in Europe, Christofle silverware is quite known.
@Perry: what do you mean "making their way back"? To Iraq?
Cheers, Frank
Comment
-
Making their way back to the U.S.,veterans are allready bringing alot of this stuff back. Alot of palace stuff...not just helmet and flag items.Comment
-
That's really quite true. It's amazing what the Marines I work with brought back. Just yesterday, the NCO that works for me told me that his squad raided Saddam's bedroom in one of the palaces in Baghdad, and split the contents of Saddam's closet amongst them! He only made out with one of Saddam's hats, but still...Originally posted by Perry Floyd
Unfortunately, this won't quite be like the 1945-46 return of the vets from Europe, and all the fantastic war booty they bought back from the Germans. Why? First, this wasn't a "world war" (stuff from world wars tend to be more popular... Look at the excitement that North Korean stuff brings on the market!) Second, there isn't the "common bond" that a lot of collectors have with say, the Germans being of the same race and overall culture. Just look at the limited collectors of Japanese militaria. It's interesting, and some of the stuff is really valuable, but how many of us know Japanese militaria collectors? Yeah, they're out there, but they aren't common! Finally, many soldiers/sailors/Marines know about collectors, and also know the common flea market called "eBay" - so there goes a lot of the "garage sale deals" that many of us remember fondly from the 1970's and 80's.
Anyway, the stuff is still cool though, and I'm certain that a whole new breed of collector will develop to embrace the surplus of the former Iraqi state...
--DAveComment
-
Just out of curiosity, are a lot of these bring backs being taken as souveneirs and mementos from the troops or are a lot of them being brought back with the intention of selling them. I'm not passing judgement either way, I'm just curious.
Also, where exactly are these items popping up for sale? Through personal contacts or more mainstream places like ebay or militaria shows?Comment
-
I can only speak for myself, and explain why I took things home. First I have always been a collector of pretty much anything. My wife and I frequented antique stores long before my interest in WWII. So when I was in Iraq that side of my personality already was in place. For me the early weeks of Iraqi freedom were very strange. For a time it was unclear to many of us if we were winning or not. It was a very unpleasent place, and the opportunity to take something from the enemy provided a sense of comfort. I read somewhere when I came home that WWII veterans took trophies because in their mind it committed them to the idea that they would make it home. I think subconsciously many soldiers feel that way, so they collect bayonets and gasmasks ect.. Now I'm sure there are many out there that know their trophies could be lucrative, but I can't really blame them because at least it gives them a break from the reality they are living in at that time. Me personally, it would be extremely difficult for me to part with anything I aquired in Iraq because of the memories I have of that time. They each represent a piece of my history. Again, just my thoughts on the topic
Greg
Comment
-
They're bringing them back for all the reasons, everyone will have a different reason I suppose..Originally posted by MDE
Most dealers with good current U.S. military connections are stocking up, you can pick them up running ads in local papers and contacts of someone you may know there, etc, etc,....really the same way you can find German/Japanese militaria..Comment
-
Greg: I feel pretty stupid right now for not realising that there probably are some forum members who were in Iraq
. Have you written about your experiences anywhere or in another thread? It would be interesting to hear some first hand accounts, I haven't heard particularly many at all.
Perry: Any idea of reputable online dealers selling any bring backs? I'd love to have a look at some of the items being brought back, possibly even snagging some if their for sale, but being in Australia makes it a bit of a challenge.
-MichaelComment
-
I know someone, but they not a website collector. What are you looking for, military items or high leader?
U.S. Iraqi items are being sought after as well..Comment
Comment