Sloane Street Auctions to Sell Dr Farsi's Islamic Arms Collection

UNITED KINGDOM, October 8, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, a dedicated collector of Islamic arms and armor, passed away in 2019, leaving behind a remarkable collection that is now set to be auctioned off by Sloane Street Auctions. Dr Farsi, who was Mayor of Jeddah from 1972 to 1986, is known as the father of Saudi Arabia's modern port city. During his tenure, he led the planning for the redevelopment of Mecca and Medina, placing art at the center of the urban environment. His artistic impact on Jeddah was significant, as he installed more than 400 sculptures across the city. This collection, which has supplied millions of pounds worth of Middle Eastern and Western art over the past two decades, will be offered in Sloane Street Auctions' October 22 sale, with expectations of more than £66,000.

The auction will feature a rare Mughal gold-damascened steel crutch dagger, known as a Zafar Takieh or throne of victory. This weapon, which is 21½ inches long, features a T-shaped handle that allowed a noble or ascetic to lean on it while sitting cross-legged. The crutch contains a gold damascened stiletto blade, and the scabbard is further set with precious stones, including natural rubies and emeralds. The tip of the scabbard is jade and lotus leaf carving, and it is inscribed with a couplet in Arabic and Turkish. The weapon was typically part of male formal attire at court sessions, symbolizing power and authority. The estimate for this piece is £6,000-8,000.

Leading the highlights of the auction is an 18th century Ottoman, silver inlaid miquelet rifle. This highly decorated weapon, measuring 40½ inches in length, features a wood stock decorated in natural and green stained bone and circular brass and ebony geometric mosaics. The steel lock, barrel, and muzzle are inlaid with an extensive floral design, and there is calligraphic text to the barrel. The rifle is expected to fetch £4,000-6,000. Another striking piece is a 27-inch long early 18th century Mughal jade-hilted sword, which has extensive gold damascened calligraphic text and a pale jade hilt carved with further inscription. The scabbard is set with precious stones, and the repoussé cartouche contains the date, 1135 (1723). The sword is estimated to fetch £3,000-5,000.

The catalogue also includes a 19th century cuirass worn by the Bodyguard Regiment of the Royal Elite Guard to the Khedive of Egypt. This cuirass, dating to around 1840-1860, is expected to fetch £1,000-2,000. Another notable piece is a 19th century Qajar gold-overlaid steel helmet, known as a kulah khud. This helmet, with a domed form and raised nose, is inscribed with inscriptions and may be linked to contemporary depictions of the legendary Iranian hero Rustam. The helmet is estimated to fetch £800-1,200.

Live online bidding is available via Sloane Street Auctions' website at www.sloanestreetauctions.com.

Sloane Street Auctions, founded by Mr Daniel Hunt after spending over 30 years as a high-profile gallery owner and dealer, based at his galleries in Lower Sloane Street, London, is a primary objective to work with both buyers and sellers to provide the art market access to the rarest objects and art - from Classical Antiquities, Icons and Old Masters, right through to the YBAs and beyond. Sloane Street Auctions prides itself in providing the highest level of client service and discretion.