Arabian Dagger and Belt

Steel dagger with hammered gold and gold filigree and roping handle and scabbard. Hilt of dagger is set with one large diamond encircled by eight smaller diamonds. The scabbard, which is backed with leather, is set with two large diamonds and has a holder for another which has become separated (stored with dagger). Comes with a sequin emboridered velvet belt. Presented to FDR in February 1945 by King Abdulaziz Al-Saud (Ibn Saud) during their meeting on the Great Bitter Lake. FDR Library Museum Collection, MO 1947.93.491.