Gold-Plated Cast Brass Door Plate from the Saddam Hussein Tikrit Palace Complex
Hardware/Architectural Fixture - Escutcheon Plate · Yellow Gold plating with a rich, saturated high-karat appearance (common in Middle Eastern luxury fixtures).
Purity: Gold Plated (likelihood of 18K-22K Gold Vermeil or PVD plating). This is not solid gold; it is a decorative coating over a base metal, likely brass or bronze.
Type
Hardware/Architectural Fixture - Escutcheon Plate
Purity
Gold Plated (likelihood of 18K-22K Gold Vermeil or PVD plating). This is not solid gold; it is a decorative coating over a base metal, likely brass or bronze.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating with a rich, saturated high-karat appearance (common in Middle Eastern luxury fixtures).
Weight
Estimated 400-600 grams total weight. The bulk of the weight is base metal (brass), with the gold content consisting only of a thin surface layer.
Description
An opulent piece of architectural history, this gold-plated door escutcheon plate was salvaged from one of Saddam Hussein's palaces in Tikrit. The design features a heavy, cast-metal construction with tiered molding and a central heraldic seal, epitomizing the 'gold-everything' aesthetic favored by the Ba'athist regime.
Key Features
Distinguished by the specific decorative crest and the high-quality gold plating intended to resist corrosion in the Iraqi climate. The mechanical assembly on the reverse indicates it was a high-traffic functional piece.
Color & Finish
Deep rich yellow gold with a high-polish reflective surface. The finish shows vertical machining/brushing lines under the plating and some surface oxidation on internal steel components.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Prominent embossed crest featuring a stylized 'M' or 'W' inside an ornate decorative shield/wreath, followed by a Registered Trademark symbol (®). No traditional gold purity hallmarks (like 750 or 585) are present.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 8-10 inches in length and 2.5-3 inches in width; standard oversized luxury architectural hardware dimensions.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item relies on ornate metal casting and the luster of the gold plating for aesthetic impact.
Clasp & Closure
Mechanical mounting holes for screws; includes a visible internal spring-loaded cam mechanism for a door handle or lock cylinder.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The structural body is a solid cast metal plate with stepped beveled edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision industrial casting with high-quality surface preparation. The electroplating is thick and professionally applied, designed to mimic the appearance of solid gold seamlessly.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the registered trademark (®) and lack of karat stamps strongly indicates high-end industrial plating rather than solid gold. Historical provenace from Tikrit provides the primary value driver.
Origin & Maker
Likely European (Italian or French) custom architectural hardware manufacturer commissioned for the Iraqi presidency. The 'M' logo may correspond to a luxury hardware brand like Meroni or a custom palace smith.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century Dictator Chic / Neoclassical Revival (circa 1980s-1990s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2003; consistent with the construction timelines of Saddam's Tikrit palace complexes during the sanctions era.
Cultural Significance
A physical artifact representing the juxtaposition of extreme private wealth and public hardship in Iraq's history. These items transitioned from symbols of absolute power to symbols of a fallen regime and historical curiosities.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Historical. Minor surface abrasions consistent with removal and handling. The internal steel spring shows light surface rust (common for these items). The gold plating remains largely intact and bright.
Value Estimate
Melt value is negligible (under $5 USD). Historical/Collector value is significant, potentially $500 - $1,500+ at auction depending on verified provenance and the specific palace of origin.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal polishes that can strip the gold layer. Clean with a soft, damp microfiber cloth. Store in a dry environment to prevent the base metal from leaching through the plating (pitting).
Similar Items
Gold-plated bathroom fixtures (swan faucets) from the same palaces, or high-end Sherle Wagner luxury hardware.
Interesting Facts
Saddam Hussein had over 80 palaces and luxury retreats. Following the 2003 invasion, many of these fixtures were looted or taken as trophies by soldiers and locals. 'Saddam's Gold' fixtures became iconic symbols of the regime's excess.
Notes
Acquired from a door inside one of Saddam Hussein’s places in Tikrit Iraq