SOME ROYAL TREASURES.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2904, 31 January 1911, Page 7

SOME ROYAL TREASURES.

The little boy Shah of Persia owns a pipe, smoked by his father on State occasions, which is set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, to the value, it is asserted, of no less than £IOO,OOO. This pipe of the ex-

Shah is many times more valuable than his sword, which is set down at tho comparatively insignificant figure of £B,OOO. The Gaekwar of Baroda, an advanced Indian Prince, is the possessor of what is probably the most precious blade in existence. Its hilt and belt are encrusted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, and its value is stated to be something like £200,000. There are some costly swords i» the treasure-rooms of Asian and European potentates, notably those belonging to the Czar of Russia, the Sultan of Turkey, and the King of Spain ; but this sword

of the Gaekwar outshines them all. The most valuable sword in Europe is that presented by the Egyptians to Lord Wolseley. The hilt is set with brilliants, and the whole sabre is valued at £2,000.

Another Indian ruler, the Maharajah of Ghcned, owns the finest brougham in the world. The handles of the doors are of solid gold, while the rest of the carriage is silver. .The new Emperor of Morocco came into possession 'of a curious piano, manufactured to the order of his predecessor, which is probably the most costly instrument of the kind ever made. This piano was made in parts, each being small enough to be carried by a slave, as it appears that the former Emperor firmly refused to trust them to the care of his camels, which formed the only other available means of transport. This exceedingly expensive musical instrument was made principally of tulip and orris woods, inlaid with unpolished jacaranda parquetry, and decorated with scrollwork of pure gold. The actual sum paid for it was £4,000.