Iraq, Kingdom. An Order of the Two Rivers, III Class Commander, c.1930

Instituted in 1927. Wisam al-Imtiaz-i-Rafidain. Instituted in 1922. Civil Division. In silver gilt with red, white, blue and green enamels, measuring 66.5 mm (w) x 95.8 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, chipping and crazing evident in the red enamels on three of the star points on the obverse and on six of the eight arms on the reverse, the ring having been removed from the badge and replaced by feeding an original ribbon through the wreath suspension sewing in place to a full-length neck ribbon, unmarked but of typical very fine quality English manufacture, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Two Rivers (Wisam Al Rafidain) was an order awarded by the Kings of Iraq and then the Presidents of Iraq. It was established in 1922 by King Faisal I "For Merit" and named after the tworivers, the Euphrates and the Tigris, that flow through the middle of the country. The Order was initially awarded by the Kings of Iraq between 1922, when the monarchy was established, and 1958 when the monarchy ended. It was continued by the Presidents of Iraq through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It was awarded in twodivisions, Military and Civil, initially issued in four classes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, along with a medal. On May 24, 1959, the Order (now known as Wisam Al Rafidain) was awarded " For exceptional service to Iraq", now issued in five classes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.