Markus Posted November 7, 2018 Posted November 7, 2018 Does any one have a source to purchase a commander Iraq Two Rivers (Kingdom Era) Neck ribbon from?
Paul R Posted November 8, 2018 Posted November 8, 2018 While I don't have a ribbon, all I have is a useless comment... This has to be one of the most beautiful of the Middle Eastern awards I've seen. Was it a bravery award, like our Congressional Medal of Honor? Or was it a political sort of recognition?
Markus Posted November 8, 2018 Author Posted November 8, 2018 Hi Paul, Two Rivers Order was used for military awards and civil awards. The Military award had two swords crossed in the wreath area. The one I posted was for a civil award. The military version is posted below. I agree that it is one of the best Middle Eastern order designs.
Rusty Greaves Posted November 9, 2018 Posted November 9, 2018 A current eMedals auction is offering a Republic era example of the 1st Class Grand Cross version of this award from ~1975. Given the interest in the beauty of this award, I hope folks enjoy the photos from their auction site of the Iraq Republic form of this. I'm also copying their description of this set and the historical information (https://www.emedals.com/iraq-republic-an-order-of-the-two-rivers-i-class-grand-cross-civil-division-c-1975): Iraq, Republic. An Order of the Two Rivers, I Class Grand Cross, Civil Division, c.1975 Wisam Al Rafidain. Instituted in 1959 and based on the Kingdom's Order of the Two Rivers. Badge: in gilt metal with red, white, blue and green enamels, measuring 62.5 mm (w) x 95.7 mm (h) inclusive of its ball and integral ring suspension, missing its ball finial at the 9 o'clockposition, on its original full-length sash; and Breast Star: insignia in gilt metal with red, white, blue and green enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed gilt metal star base, measuring 84 mm (w) x 84 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, scattered gilt wear on the base. Near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, award insignia and classification marked on the lid, exterior of the lid and base each trimmed in two strands of silvered beaded threading on three sides, raised platform with recessed metal beds for both awards, slight separation evident in the exterior fabric where the rear panel meets the base, case also near extremely fine. 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 two rivers, 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 two divisions, 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. Sash badge and chest star Sash badge Sash badge, detail of obverse Sash badge, oblique detail of obverse sash badge, detail of reverse Sash badge, oblique detail of reverse Chest star chest star, oblique view Chest star reverse Chest star reverse, oblique view Chest star, detail of pin catch on reverse Chest star, detail of pin attachment Set in case
oamotme Posted November 12, 2018 Posted November 12, 2018 Gentlemen, See instituting law below. Regards, Owain P.S. The things I type up in my spare time..........enjoy. Published in IGG No.15 of 9 April, 1927 99. THE “AL RAFIDAIN” MEDAL LAW – “No. 29 OF 1927” WE, KING of IRAQ With the approval of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, do hereby order the enactment of the following Law:- Article 1 There shall be created a medal under the title of “Al Rafidain Medal” with 5 classes, the 1st being the highest. Article 2 This Medal shall be granted by a Royal Decree. Article 3 The shape of each class of the Medal, the colour of its ribbons, the time and manner of wearing and all questions connected with the manner of its grant and possession shall be defined by regulations. Article 4 The following fee shall be levied on Iraqis granted this medal: Class of Medal Rs. Class I 120 Class II 80 Class III 60 Class IV 40 Class V 15 Article 5 This law shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Government Gazette. Article 6 All Ministers are charged with execution of this Law. Made at Baghdad this 22nd day of March, 1927, and the 19th day of Ramadhan, 1345. FAISAL JA’FAR AL ‘ASKARI RASHID ALI YASIN AL HASHIMI Prime Minister Minister of Interior Minister of Finance & Minister of Foreign Affairs NURI AL SA’ID MUHD. AMIN ZAKI Minister of Defence Minister of Comms. & Works “ABDUL MHADI AMIN ‘ALI Minister of Education Minister of Awqaf (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 527 dated 31-3-27) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.24 of 23 June, 1928) 137. REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER ARTICLE 3 OF THE LAW RELATING TO THE ORDER OF “AL RAFIDAIN” No. 29 OF 1927, No. 14 OF 1928 WE, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article (26) of the Organic Law and Article (3) of the Law of Order of Al Rafidain No.29 of 1927, and pursuant to the resolution of the Council of ministers, do hereby order the publication of the following regulations:- Article 1 Each of the 5 classes of the Order shall be of two kinds: civil and military. Article 2 The decoration of the Order of each class is a seven pointed star, in the centre of which is a white circle on the upper part of which is inscribed the sentence “The Kingdom of Iraq” and on the lower part the sentence “Justice is the foundation of the State” in the case of the civil decoration and “Patriotism is of the Faith” in the case of the military decoration, and containing a smaller blue circle on which is a gilt crown. The star is suspended from a gilt wreath of bay leaves and in the case of the military decoration two crossed swords are placed on the wreath. The whole is suspended by a red and black ribbon. Article 3 The forms of the decoration and the manner of wearing it are as follows:- The first class decoration is hung by a broad ribbon of red watered silk with three back stripes ending in a rosette at the lower end to which the decoration is attached. It is worn over the right shoulder so that the decoration hangs above the left hip. There is also a brooch composed of a star similar to the decoration placed on gilt rays, to be worn on the lower part of the right breast. The second class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with two black stripes and a rosette thereon and is worn on the left breast. There is also a brooch similar to and worn in manner similar the brooch described in paragraph (a). The third class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with three black stripes thereon, and is worn around the neck. The fourth class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with three black stripes, bearing a rosette, and is worn on the left breast. The fifth class decoration is suspended from a red watered silk ribbon with two black stripes. It differs from the other classes in that the wreath is silver. It is worn on the left breast. Article 4 Possessors of the Order will wear it (a) on the occasion of official receptions and (b) such other occasions as may be directed by His Majesty the King or by the Prime Minister. Article 5 The Order shall be granted to, and promotion in the Order shall be conferred upon, those who serve the country well: provided that the 1st class or promotion to the 1st class shall only be granted, in respect of prominent services, to those who hold or who have held important appointments under the state. These conditions shall not apply in the case of foreigners not employed in the service of the Iraq State. Article 6 The grant of the Order or promotion to a higher class of the Order shall be made by a resolution of the Council of Ministers provided that in the case of foreigners not employed in the Iraq Government the said grant or promotion shall be at His Majesty’s discretion at the recommendation of the responsible Minister. Article 7 The possessors of decorations of the first class shall not exceed the following members:- Of the 1st Class 50 persons Of the 2nd Class 100 persons Of the 3rd Class 150 persons Of the 4th Class 200 persons The grant of the 5th Class decoration of the Order is unlimited. Article 8 A possessor of the Order may be deprived thereof if he is guilty of disloyalty to the State or the Throne or acts so dishonourably as to unfit himself to continue to possess the Order. Such deprivation shall be made by Royal Irada issued at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. Article 9 These Regulations shall come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Article 10 All Ministers are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 10th day of June, 1927, and the 23rd day of Dhil Hujja, 1346. FAISAL ‘ABDUL MUHSIN AL SA’DUN NAJI SHAWKAT Prime Minister Minister of Interior & Minister of Foreign Affairs YUSUF GHANIMA DAUD AL HAIDARI Minister of Finance Minister of Justice NURI AL SA’ID SALMAN AL BARRAK Minister of Defence Minister of Irrigation & Agriculture ABDUL MUHSIN SHELASH TAWFIQ AL SUWAID Minister of Communications & Works Minister of Education SAIYID AHMAD AL DAUD Minister of Awqaf (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 659 dated 14-6-28) ----00000----
Markus Posted November 12, 2018 Author Posted November 12, 2018 Thanks Oaomotme, Great to see the original laws concerning this medal. I am surprised at the relatively low numbers issued for each class of recipients. That makes it a pretty scarce commodity. Interesting that the ribbon changes between classes as well. Markus
oamotme Posted November 13, 2018 Posted November 13, 2018 ....and if you have the time and patience the remaining laws/amendments for this order up to 1946 - I could find any later ones. As you will note the number of awards increases and the quotas exclude awards to foreigners .There is a different series post 1958. Owain Published in IGG No.35 of 9 September, 1928) 217. CORRIGENDUM Reference the “Al Rafidain” Order Law, No. 29 of 1927, which was published at page 117 of the Iraq Government Gazette No. 15 of 1927. For the word “Medal” wherever it occurs in this Law, substitute the word “Order”. ----00000---- Published in IGG No.29 of 16 July, 1933) 272. REGULATION No. 23 OF 1933 AMENDING THE REGULATION RELATING THE ORDER OF AR_RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1927 In accordance with Article 23 (Amended) of the Constitutional Law, by virtue of the powers vested in my by His Majesty King Faisal the First, pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Finance and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation on behalf of His Majesty:- Article 1 This Regulation shall be called “Regulation No.23 of 1933 Amending the Regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 14 of 1928”.) Article 2 The following provisions shall be added to the regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928:- If a promotion to a higher class takes place, the Order of the lower class shall be recovered from the possessor thereof and the difference in fees between the two classes shall be collected from him. In the event of the death of a possessor of an Order, the Order shall be recovered from his heirs within a suitable period of time, provided that this will be at the option of the heirs themselves. If such a recovery takes place the fees paid by the deceased holder of the Order shall be refunded to the heirs. If an Order is lost the holder thereof may, by permission from the President of the Council of Ministers, obtain an other Order to replace it against payment of the fees prescribed for the class of the missing Order as set forth in “Ar-Rafidain” Decoration Law No. 29 of 1927. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 23rd day of Safar, 1352, and the 17th day of June 1933. The Regent GHAZI RASHID ALI HIKMAT SULAIMAN Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Interior Minister of Foreign Affairs & Acting Minister of Finance MUHAMMAD ZAKI JALAL BABAN Minister of Justice Minister of Defence & Acting Minister of Economics & Communications ABDUL MAHDI Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1264 dated 22-6-33) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.15 of 15 April, 1934) 154. REGULATION AMENDING REGULATION FOR THE ORDER OF AR_RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1927 –No.7 OF 1934 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 26 (a) of the Constitutional Law and Article 3 of the Law for the Order of Ar Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 Article 7 of the regulation for the Order of Ar Rafidain No.14 of 1928 shall be amended as follows: The word “eighty” shall be substituted for “fifty” in the first sentence. The words “one hundred and twenty” shall be substituted for “one hundred” in the second sentence. The words “one hundred and seventy” shall be substituted for “one hundred and fifty” in the third sentence. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 19th day of Dhul Qi’da, 1352, and the 5th day of March 1934. GHAZI JAMIL AL MADFA’I NAJI AS SUWAIDI Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Finance Minister of Interior ABDULLA AD DAMALUJI RASHID AL KHOJA Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Defence JAMAL BABAN ABBAS MAHDI Minister of Justice Minister of Economics and Communications JALAL BABAN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1349 dated 13-3-34) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.51 of 23 December, 1934) 607. REGULATION AMENDING THE REGULATION RELATING TO THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 –No.47 OF 1934 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to decision of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 The word right mentioned at the end of Article 3 (a) of the regulation relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928 shall be deleted and substituted by the word left”. The words “there shall be a brooch similar to and worn in manner similar to the brooch described in para (a) set out at the end of the paragraph (b) of the same article shall be substituted by the words “there is also a brooch, placed on gilt rays, to be worn on the lower part of the right breast”. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from 1st November, 1934. Article 3 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 24th day of Rajab, 1353, and the 1st day of November 1934. GHAZI ALI JAWDAT YUSUF GHANIMA Prime Minister & Acting Minister of Finance Minister of Interior NURI AS SA’ID JAMAL BABAN Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Justice JAMIL AL MADFA’I ARSHAD AL’UMARI Minister of Defence Minister of Economics and Communications ABDUL HUSAIN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1386 dated 8-11-34) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.6 of 10 February, 1935) 46. REGULATION No. 2 OF 1935 AMENDING THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to decision of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 Article 2 of the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.14 of 1928 is amended as follows: The order in each class and division is a red seven pointed star on both sides, in the centre of the face of which is a white circle on whose upper part is inscribed “The Kingdom of Iraq” and on whose lower part the words “Patriotism is of the Faith”. The said circle is enclosed within a milled ring which is surrounded by seven semi-circles whose bases stand upon the milled ring and the radii of which radiate from the centre of the seven pointed star. The colour of the circumference and radii of the semi-circles is green. The milled ring and the point of junction of each two semi-circles are linked by a green stripe with white decorative work in between the semi-circles. The first circle contains a smaller blue circle on which is a gilt crown and the back of which contains a white circle on whose upper part is inscribed the words “Justice is the Foundation of the State” and on whose lower part is inscribed the words “Faisal The First”. The star is suspended from a gilt wreath of bay leaves and the whole is suspended by a red watered ribbon. The Military Division is distinguished from the Civil division by: Two crossed swords on the wreath. The Military ribbon contains three black parallel stripes one along each edge and one running down the centre; while the Civil ribbon contains two such stripes. Article 2 Article 3 is amended as under:- The forms of the decoration and the manner of wearing it are as follows:- The first class decoration is hung by a broad ribbon which is of the same colour as the ribbon and its stripes ending in a rosette at the lower end to which the decoration is attached. It is worn over the right shoulder so that it hangs above the left hip. There is also a gilt brooch, which may be with decorative work or otherwise, the face of which contains the same designs that are contained on the face of the decoration. The brooch is worn on the lower part of the right breast. The second class decoration is worn on the left breast with a rosette on the lower part of the ribbon. It also contains a brooch similar to that of the first class, to be worn on the lower past of the right breast. The third class decoration is suspended by means of a ribbon worn round the neck. The fourth class decoration is worn on the left breast with a ribbon bearing a rosette on its lower end. The fifth class decoration is worn on the left breast and differs from the other classes in that its wreath is silver. Article 3 Regulation Amending the Order of Ar-Rafidain Regulation No.47 of 1934 is hereby repealed. Article 4 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 5 The Ministers of the State are charged with execution of these Regulations. Made at Baghdad this 7th day of Shawwal, 1353, and the 12th day of January, 1935. GHAZI JAMIL AL MADFA’I YUSUF GHANIMA Ag. Prime Minister, Minister of Finance Ag. Minister of Interior & Minister of Defence JAMAL BABAN ARSHAD AL’UMARI Minister of Justice & Minister of Economics and Minister of Foreign Affairs Communications ABDUL HUSAIN Minister of Education (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1396 dated 24-1-35) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.32 of 11 August, 1935) 404. REGULATION AMENDING REGULATION FOR THE ORDER OF AR-RAFIDAIN No. 14 OF 1928 – No.29 OF1935 We, KING of IRAQ In accordance with Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Justice and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, do hereby order the enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 The following sentence shall be added to the end of para (b) of article 2 of the Regulation Amending Regulation for the Order of Ar-Rafidain No.18 of 1928, No. 23 of 1933:- “Pursuant to the proposal of the Minister of Foreign affairs the Council of Ministers mat decree the keeping by a foreign successor of the Order of his legator as a souvenir”. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All Ministers of the State are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this 10th day of Rabi-ul-Thani, 1354, and the 11th day of July 1935. GHAZI YASIN AL HASHIMI RASHID ALI Prime Minister Minister of Interior RA’UF AL BAHRANI NURI AS SA’ID Minister of Finance Minister of Foreign Affairs MUHAMMAD ZAKI JA”FAR AL ASKARI Minister of Justice Minister of Defence MUHAMMMAD AMIN ZAKI MUHD.RIDHA AL SHABIBI Minister of Economics and Minister of Education Communications (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 1437 dated 23-7-35) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.19 of 7 May, 1944) 240. REGULATION No. 68 OF 1943 AMENDING AL-RAFIDAIN ORDER REGULATION No. 14 OF 1928 – No.29 OF1935 In accordance with Article 23 (as amended) of the Constitutional Law and Article 3 of the Law relating to the Order of Ar-Rafidain No. 29 of 1927, and by virtue of the power vested in me and pursuant to the proposal of the Acting Minister of Finance and with the approval of the Council of Ministers, I hereby order on behalf of His Highness the Regent the promulgation enactment of the following Regulation:- Article 1 There shall be added: The phrase “or without a rosette” after the phrase “a rosette thereon” in line 3 of paragraph (b) of Article 3 of Al Rafidain Regulation No. 14 of 1928. The phrase “or a crown instead of a rosette” after the phrase “bearing a rosette” appearing in the last line of paragraph (d) of Article 3 of the said Regulation. Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All the Ministers are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this 24th day of Dhil Qi’da, 1362, and the 22nd day of November, 1943. ZAID Vice Regent NURI AS SA’ID ABDULLAH AL QASSAB AHMAD MUKHTAR BABAN Prime Minister Minister of Interior Minister of Justice & Acting of Defence TAHSIN AL ASKARI ABDUL ILAH HAFIDH Minister of Economics & Works Minister of Education & Ag. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ag Minister of Finance SALMAN AL BARRAKI ABDUL RAZZAK AL UZRI Minister of Economics Minister of Foreign Affairs (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya No. 12132 of 6-12-43) ----00000---- Published in IGG No.44 of 3 November, 1946) 666. REGULATION No. 72 OF 1946 AMENDING THE RAFIDAIN ORDER REGULATION No. (14) OF 1928 After perusal of Article 3 of the Rafidain Order Law No. 29 of 1927, and pursuant to the approval of the Council of Ministers, we hereby order the promulgation enactment of the following Regulations:- Article 1 Article 7 of the Rafidain Order Regulation No. 14 of 1928 is deleted and substituted by the following Article 7 The members of owners of orders shall not exceed: 60 persons in Grade I 200 persons in Grade II 300 persons in Grade III The numbers of Grades IV and V are not restricted. The foreign owners of Orders who had already been granted orders shall not be within the numbers mentioned above. The orders granted to foreigners after the issue of this regulation shall not exceed one fourth of the limited number specified in Para (1). Article 2 This Regulation shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Article 3 All the Ministers are charged with execution of this Regulation. Made at Baghdad this xx day of xx, xx, and the 3rd day of November, 1946. Photocopy excludes details of ministers. (Published in the Waqayi al Iraqiya – to be advised) ----00000----
Paul R Posted November 14, 2018 Posted November 14, 2018 I find myself wanting one of these lower grade medals! I bet they are super expensive. I will have to look into them. Thank you all for the detailed information.
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