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Title Silver chapra, or belt plate
Nationality Afghan
Period 1856
Sold

This chapra celebrates the appointment of Abd al-Rahman Khan as Crown Prince to the throne of Afghanistan in 1856 at the age of 13. It carries the engraved titles 'Asad al-dawla' (Lion of the State), 'Mumtaz al-Mulk (Excellence of Sovereignty) and 'Abd al-Rahman Khan', together with the date 1856 in both the Hijri and Gregorian calendar.

Abdur Rahman Khan was born in Kabul sometime between 1840 and 1844, third son of Mohammad Afzal Khan, and grandson of Dost Mohammad Khan. He is celebrated in the Ballad of the King's Mercy by Kipling as the 'Iron Amir' of Afghanistan, ruling as Amir from 1880 to 1901, backed by both the British and the Russians, dying peacefully in bed! He was considered to be a strong ruler, who re-established the writ of the Afghan government after the disarray that followed the second Anglo-Afghan war, and ruled over a period of relative stability. There is a six-page article on him on Wikipedia with photographs.

The plate (130 x 100 mm) is of heavy (it weighs 212 grams) unmarked silver (though there is a tiny mark which may be some sort of Afghan hallmark) and has a large hook and two stud fittings on the reverse.

Apart from two bruises, it is in extremely fine condition.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Badges : Afghan : 19th Century]

testimonials

My order arrived this morning, thanks for the prompt delivery.

Two excellent original pieces, I must say.

Buckle is in minty condition retaining so much detail esp plummage on eagle's neck and chest, like to see those 'creases' on the legs also... a beautiful example of an early O&C buckle.

Belt is very interesting, rather thin, CROUPON stamped and also behind the tongue...maybe Allegmeine but no SS markings as you state. Beautiful piece none the less.

Thanks for a speedy transaction Chris, I am very happy with my purchase :)

B M, United Kingdom, 26.10.2018

I should have written sooner, but I did want to let you know that the photos arrived safely and are absolutely fabulous. I could not be happier with them.

Thanks for the excellent service and great photos. I hope we have occasion to do business together again.

J B, USA, 18.08.2005

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