A mid-20^th century Iraqi silver and niello compact, Basra or Omara circa 1940 signed Saleh

Of circular form, the lid with a five-pointed star nielloed with flower heads and centred with initials LAM in cypher, the outer section with pierced and engraved stylised flowers. The reverse with a nielloed scene of a palm trees with two camels and riders, as well as a dhow sailing boat. The interior with a compartment with a hinged lid with mirror inside, the lid engraved with the Abu Hanifa al in Nu'man, Baghdad, a palm tree and a dhow sailing boat, reserved with niello, engraved with an inscription reading “from EA to LA McClean”, the outer edge with engraved foliate scrolls. Signed to the reverse.

Diameter – 7.3 cm / 3 inches

Gross Weight – 127 grams / 4.08 ozt