Description:

SADDAM HUSSEIN CABINET MEETING TABLECLOTH
A spectacular and historic Saddam Hussein relic, a large, custom-made white linen tablecloth of dramatic proportions and beauty used by the dictator during meetings with his cabinet members and generals of the highest order, and very probably during the planning and implementation of the attack on Kuwait and the defense against the 2003 American invasion itself! Storied individuals who would have convened around the table draped with this historic piece would have included members of Hussein's inner circle such as Defense Minister Al Hassan al-Majid, Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, his son and heir Qusay Hussein (d. 2003), Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, Iraqi general Iyad Futayyih and numerous others. According to our consignor, a veteran of the Iraqi War, this table covering was custom created ca. early 1980s by the renowned French linen manufacturer D. Porthault and represents the firm's highest standards of quality and style. The tablecloth measures a dramatic 25 ft. in length x 8 ft. in width, and is copiously embroidered with bullion accents made of bright 10K gold foil wire, including 96 gold eagles and approx. 95 large leaves, as well as elegantly intertwined leaves running the length of the piece. The gold content in the accents alone is substantial. This fine tablecloth is accompanied by an image for provenance that clearly shows it adorning the table used for meetings between Saddam Hussein and his cabinet officials. Further provenance is provided in the form of an Arabic newspaper dated Jan. 26, 2003 showing this image at top right with the caption beneath indicating that the particular meeting pictured was discussing and planning: ‘American threats of aggression against Iraq'. A small approx. 2 in. tear and a lightly stained area, else very good. Saddam was a connoisseur of fine home goods and tableware, with an especial love of French design and craftsmanship and collected objects by other French design firms like Christofle. It goes without saying that the dictator would have carefully chosen Porthault to bring his vision of a splendorous table to light. A unique and most important relic!

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January 19, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000