An early 20^th century Iraqi silver and niello three-piece cruet, Omara circa 1927-29

Comprising a mustard pot, salt, and pepper pot. The mustard pot of spade shape with a centrally domed hinged lid, nielloed with a scene of the Tomb of Ezra, dhow sailing boats and a boatman in a gufa, the salt of hemispherical form upon three feet nielloed with a scene of the Taq Kasra (Ruins of Ctesiphon) and fishermen in mashoof, the pepper of ovoid form nielloed with a scene of the Abu Hanifa al in Nu'man, Baghdad. Each unsigned. (3)

Mustard pot length – 6 cm / 2.5 inches

Weight – 94 grams / 3.02 ozt

Provenance: Purchased between 1927-29 by Reginald Jack Stone (1906-89), originally from Great Yarmouth who initially qualified for the RAF then unfortunately due to a motor bike accident could not continue flying. He took up the option of joining the RAF Rolls Royce Armoured car units in Iraq, serving in Basra. He met and married Gladys Baldwin (1896-1946), a nursing sister in Basra hospital. Thence by descent.