Watch List notes:

Algeria. `Abd al-Kader Portrait Plaque. Bois Durci. 113mm. 19th Century. High-relief bust of the great 19th Century leader, wearing head-scarf, left. During a meeting of the western tribes in 1832, `Abd al-Kader, an Islamic scholar and Sufi, found himself elected Emir after his father refused the position citing old age. Within in a year, he united the tribes of the region and carried on a war of resistance against the French, who had invaded Algeria in 1830. He was largely successful until 1842, when the French began to brutally suppress the population and use scorched earth tactics. `Abd al-Kader lost control of Tlemcen and was ultimately forced to surrender. A noble leader who treated all men fairly no matter their faith or race, `Abd al-Kader was greatly respected by the French even though he warred against them. Nonetheless, he was imprisoned for some four years in France. With his health deteriorating because of damp conditions, `Abd al-Kader was freed by order of Louis-Napoleon in 1852. He moved to Damascus in 1855, where he befriended Jane Digby and Richard and Isabel Burton. During the anti-Christian riots of 1860, `Abd al-Kader and his sons defended large numbers of Christians against Druze attacks. His actions earned him international praise. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor by France, the Order of Medjidie by the Sublime Porte, even President Lincoln sent him a pair of inlaid pistols. Small paper adhesion. Integral ball suspender. Uncirculated.

Estimate: $200.00 - $250.00