The Iraq - Order of the Two Rivers (Wisam al-Rafidain), Military Division, 3rd Class is a distinguished decoration from the Kingdom of Iraq, established by King Faisal I in 1922. This particular example is pre-1958, making it a royal-era award, likely manufactured by Garrard & Co. Ltd., London.
Description:
Dimensions: 69.40 x 66.38 mm
Shape: A magnificent seven-pointed red enamel ball-tipped star with a gilt laurel wreath and neck ribbon suspension loop.
Obverse:
The face is overlain with a green and white pierced frieze of stylized Arabic geometric design.
The central blue enamel medallion bears a gilt Iraqi royal crown, symbolizing the Hashemite monarchy.
Encircling the medallion is a white enamel ring inscribed in Arabic:
"المملكة العراقية - حب الوطن من الإيمان"
(The Kingdom of Iraq - Love of the Motherland is Faith).
Reverse:
Features an inscribed central medallion in Arabic, encircled by a white enamel ring.
Some surface chipping is observed on the upper left arm of the reverse, likely due to wear.
Suspension:
Attached to a gilt crossed swords device, denoting military division.
Neck ribbon: Red with black stripes, in excellent condition.
History & Significance:
The Wisam al-Rafidain (Order of the Two Rivers) is named after the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, representing Iraq’s historical significance as the cradle of civilization.
Awarded for exceptional military and civil merit.
After the 1958 revolution, Iraq became a republic, and the crown in the insignia was replaced with an eagle.
This particular example, being pre-1958, is a rare and historically important piece from the Hashemite era.
Condition:
Original enamel intact, with minor wear on the reverse.
Neck ribbon in great condition, correctly replaced with ties.
A highly collectible and rare military decoration from Iraq’s royal period, representing a bygone era of Hashemite rule.