Gold and Silver Jeweled Sword and Scabbard
Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.105613.a-b
Object Type
Sword
Intended Recipient
President Barack Obama
(American, 1961)
Medium
wood, metal (steel, gold, silver), gemstone (ruby, diamond)
DimensionsOverall W 4 in x D 1 1/4 in x L 41 1/2 in (10.2 cm x 3.2 cm x 105.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionTraditional sword (.a) and sheath (.b) with gold and gemstone decorations. The sword has a curved gold and white hilt with a curved decorated gold pommel. A crescent moon design is engraved on the forte where its attached to the hilt.The sword guard is decorated with inset rubies and diamonds. Attached to the hilt is a gold chain connecting the guard with the curved tip of the pommel. The one side of the sheath is decorated with 23 inset polished rubies in gold and silver, various engravings, raised silver and diamond date palm leaves interspersed with a crescent design, the emblem of Saudi Arabia, a date palm with two crossed swords beneath with silver and green gems, segments with a 4-leafed flower with diamonds and a small ruby in the center, and two golden rings on the side. The other side of the sheath is identical design to the front but with only engravings. The outer edges of the sheath have an engraved cross-hatched diamond design.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of the US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on May 14, 2015 at Camp David.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts of State (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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