A document sealed by the Ruler of Sharjah and the founding of Ras Al-Khaimah's State Audit Institution
Two early documents.
4to. (1+2 =) 3 pp., in Arabic throughout. Includes one original addressed airmail envelope (printed Government of Ras-Al-Khaimah stationery).
€ 15,000.00
Two early, unique paper items from the Gulf Sheikhdoms: an official document from Sharjah witnessed by the ruler and a piece of private correspondence relating to the founding of a Ras Al-Khaimah government institution six years before independence.
1) A power of attorney witnessed by the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi (ruled 1924-51). The document certifies that Salim ibn Ibrahim al-Yusuf and Abd al-Rahman ibn Khalifa al-Yusuf appoint Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Rahim and Haji ibn Abd al-Rahim to collect the rent for their properties in Bahrain, replacing their previous agent Muhammad ibn Rashid al-Qassab. The document, signed by Salim al-Yusuf in the month Dhu al-Qa'dah 1362 AH, bears in its upper right corner the seal of the ruler of Sharjah with a handwritten note: "They testified in my presence / Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and its Dependencies". With an eight-anna revenue stamp issued by the British Indian government and a stamp of attestation, certifying that the Sheikh's seal is authentic, dated 9 Feb. 1944 and signed by the Political Officer of the Trucial Coast, Maurice Patrick O'Connor Tandy (1912-86). Some browning and stains, edge tears and paper flaws (some with early repairs on verso).
2) A two-page letter in blue ink, dated 7 March 1966, from Sami Abd al-Rahman Saqr, based at the Municipality in Ras al Khaimah, addressed to his friend Maher in Cairo. Sami Abd al-Rahman Saqr explains that when he returned to Ras al-Khaimah from his recent visit to Maher, the Sheikh [of Ras al-Khaimah, Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi] asked him to help establish the State Audit Institution. He writes that he has therefore now relinquished his position at the Municipality, adding that the institution will start small until the building is ready and discussing the plans for its further development. Sami Abd al-Rahman Saqr further mentions that he will travel to London in April on the first BOAC flight from Dubai to London, marking the launch of this new route. While the airline invited the Sheikh to travel on this inauguration flight, having provided him with a return ticket and expenses for a week's stay in London, the Sheikh is too busy to avail himself of this gift and is therefore sending Sami Abd al-Rahman Saqr on his behalf. He may extend his stay as long as two weeks to discuss business opportunities with British companies and offers to bring Maher anything from London that he may wish. Written on blue airmail stationery with printed letterhead; includes the airmail envelope.
