VALUABLE POSSESSIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16567, 16 June 1917, Page 4 (Supplement)

VALUABLE POSSESSIONS.

Among the Royal treasures of .Persia is a pipe , set with diamonds, rabies, and emeralds, to the value, it is estimated, of no less than £100,000. ■ This pipe was made for the late.-. Shah, and •is ; said to be even more valuable than his famous sword. In the matter of swords, the Gaekwar of B.aroda possesses the most precious blade in existence. _ Its hilt and Belt are encrusted with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, aud emeralds, and its value has been put at £200,000. There are many costly swords in the .treasure-rooms of Eastern and European rulers, notably those of the Tsar of Russia, the Sultan-of Turkey, and the King of Siam. The most valuable sword in Eurpoe is that presented by the Egyptians to Lord Wolseley. The hilt is set with brilliants, and the whole sabre is estimated to be worth £2000..

, The Maharajah of Jind is the owner of the most costly brougham in the world. The handles of the doors are of solid gold, while the rest of the vehicle is of silver. The Emperor ,of Morocco came into possession of a curious piano, manufactured to the order of his predecessor, which is probably the most expensive instrument of the kind ever made. This piano was made in parts, each being small enough to be carried by a slave, as it appeared 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 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 £4000.