Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets
Arts of the Islamic World and India, including Fine Rugs and Carpets
An Ottoman embroidered regimental standard, Turkey, early 20th century
Auction Closed
April 26, 01:36 PM GMT
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
of square shape, with a coiled gold thread fringe, the central panel embroidered with the tughra of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet V (r.1909-18), surrounded by four regimental flags, some pikes, double-headed axes and trumpets, over a scroll of leaves from which are suspended five medals
124.2 by 139.6cm.
Such standards were carried by Ottoman regiments during the First World War. Two other standards, identical to the present one, are in the Australian War Memorial Museum (inv.no. RELAWM16020 & RELAWM04772). They were captured by Australian officials from the 9th Light Horse Regiment after a Turkish infantry regiment attempted to retreat from Damascus in October 1918. The Museum possesses a photograph showing the exact moment one of these flags was captured (inv.no.B02838).