Title: Cristofle Silver 8" Serving Spoon with Iraqi Eagle - Saddam Hussein Era, Desert Storm 1991
Title: Cristofle Silver 8" Serving Spoon with Iraqi Eagle - Saddam Hussein Era, Desert Storm 1991
Description: This unique serving spoon is a remarkable piece of historical memorabilia, hailing from a tumultuous period marked by conflict and power. Crafted from high-quality silver by Cristofle of France, the spoon measures 8 inches in length and weighs 3.53 ounces, reflecting both luxury and craftsmanship. Its handle is adorned with an embossed Iraqi Eagle, a national emblem prominently associated with the regime of Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War's Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Product Details:
- Length: 8 inches
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Material: Silver
- Maker: Cristofle, France
- Decoration: Iraqi Eagle, associated with Saddam Hussein's regime
- Era: 1991, Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm)
Brief History: Saddam Hussein was the President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003. His rule was characterized by the ruthless suppression of internal dissent, the invasion of Iran in 1980 (leading to an eight-year war), and the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, which precipitated the Gulf War with the coalition forces led by the United States. The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, began in January 1991 and ended the following month with the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
The Iraqi Eagle, a symbol found on this spoon, was a national emblem under Hussein's regime. The eagle holds a shield with the flag of Iraq and references the Abbasid dynasty, reflecting Hussein's attempt to associate his rule with past glories of Iraqi and Arab history. The presence of this emblem on flatware such as this serving spoon may indicate that it was produced for use in government or diplomatic settings, potentially as part of official state dinnerware or for presentation as gifts in the context of statecraft.
The juxtaposition of the luxurious French silverware brand Cristofle with the emblem of Saddam Hussein's Iraq makes this item particularly intriguing, encapsulating a moment in time where elegance met political history.
Note: The green spoon shown for scale is a standard-sized teaspoon, not included with the Cristofle serving spoon.