Niello Silver Boat Brooch, Amara Regatta 1918

Name: Niello Silver Boat Brooch, Amara Regatta 1918
SKU: as1006a412
Price: 35.00 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

Photos

Contact SellerBurnell And Rowe ▼

This is a very nicely made Niello Silver Brooch of Middle-Eastern origin depicting a sailing boat and engraved on the back "AMARA REGATTA 1918." An attractive item in its own right, the brooch also has a military connection to the First World War.

Niello decoration is done by engraving a design onto the silver and then inlaying the grooves with a powder made from sulphur, copper, silver and lead, which is then fired until it melts and fills the design. Once cooled it is polished to create a completely smooth finish. It is a particularly popular technique in Russia, Thailand and the Middle-East.

The city of Amara (now usually spelled Amarah) in south-eastern Iraq was captured by British forces in 1915 as part of their campaign against the Ottoman Empire in Mesopotamia. Located next to the Tigris river, the British forces travelled to the city by a flotilla of small boats which became known as the Amara Regatta or Townshend's Regatta (after the commanding officer). After the end of the war, Mesopotamia, later the Kingdom of Iraq, came under British control until the early 1930s. It seems likely that a regatta was held in 1918 to commemorate the success of the 1915 capture of the city.

The brooch is in lovely condition and perfectly wearable today. As a decorative item it would be ideal for anyone who likes sailing, or historically it is of interest to militaria collectors or those with a personal connection to the area.

The brooch is 3cm high to the top of the sail and 2.7cm from stem to stern of the boat. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

Shipping in the UK is £4 by Royal Mail 1st Class Signed For.
Overseas customers please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.

Price

£~~35.00~~

$~~43.06~~ USA

€~~41.81~~

The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 9/JAN/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.