Bahrain, Kingdom. An Order Of Sheikh Isa Ibn Salman Al Khalifa, Exceptional Collar And Collar Badge, C.1999

(Wisam Al-Shaikh ‘Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa). Instituted 1999. A beautiful and rare collar awarded to heads of state, comprising sixteen silver gilt links of alternating Arms of Bahrain on a six pointed star within a laurel wreath exterior, each link measuring 47.60mm (w) x 47mm(h), and Isa in Arabic within a larger exterior olive wreath, each measuring 45.7mm (w) x 49.9mm (h), each link is separated by a single horizontal gilt bar with cross hatch pattern, reverse of Arms of Bahrain links presents two central rivets, the central link features a small integral loop at the base for collar badge connection, otherwise reverse of all links are plain, weighing 570 grams in its entirety, a beautiful and extremely rare collar in near mint condition.

The Collar Badge of the order presents a silver gilt and white enamel decoration, a large gilt disk with small rays alternating between emanating rays and squared pyramids, the obverse medallion features a left facing profile of Sheikh surrounded by a white enamelled frame with gilt wreath and eight small pearls, the disk is inscribed in Arabic meaning “Order of Sheikh Issa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bahrain” from 8 o’clock to 4 o’clock contained at each end with a slightly larger pearl, surmounted by a suspension ring at 12 o’clock, the reverse is plain, measures 79.5mm (w) x 82.1mm (h – inclusive of integral ring), weighs 105.4 grams, enamels intact, an extremely rare and mint condition badge.

Footnote: The Order of Sheikh Issa (Wisam al-Shaikh ‘Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa) was instituted in 1999 in commemoration of Emir Sheikh Issa bin Salman Al-Khalifa. The Order is conferred in 5 Classes. The collar is awarded to heads of state.