An early 20^th century Iraqi silver and niello milk jug, Omara circa 1927-29, signed Shoodod

Of globular form with a moulded rim upon three ball ended feet, a up curved spout opposite an S scroll handle. The sides nielloed with a scene of the Tomb of Ezra and dhow sailing boats, the opposing side with a dhow sailing boat, three palm trees and boatmen in a gufa. Signed to the side.

Length – 13.7 cm / 5.45 inches

Weight – 125 grams / 4.02 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.