Printed from Woolley & Wallis

Description

An interesting collection of militaria, comprising: a 19th Century Abyssinian gold cross, reverse with 'MAGDALA 13 APL 1868' in blue enamel, tests as 18 carat gold, 5.8g, to a later chain; a British military wrist compass with broad arrow mark and webbing strap, and three pairs of cufflinks, including a pair impressed 'O.S.S.' to oval plaques linked to miniature Arab jambiya (one link has scabbard only - dagger missing).

The battle of Magdala was the decisive engagement of the Anglo-Abyssinian war of 1868, and in its aftermath a considerable number of crosses of various sizes are known to have been appropriated by the British. O.S.S. = Office of Strategic Services (American WWII intelligence agency)