IOR/R/15/2/1611

The file concerns articles in the Bahrain Toshakhana, the store where items received as gifts from tribal chiefs and princes were deposited. Such items were often later presented as gifts to other rulers.

Most of the material comprises correspondence between: the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf; the Political Agent, Bahrain; the Political Officer, Trucial Coast; the Advisor to the Government of Bahrain (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave); and the Superintendent of Police, Bahrain. The file also contains a letter of thanks received from Shaikh Rashid bin Hamad bin Shamis (ff 94-95).

The correspondence concerns:

• items kept in the Bahrain Toshakhana, including annual returns detailing the sale proceeds of Toshakhana and Durbar presents for the years 1926-1945;
• discussion of suitable gifts for local rulers. Items like rifles, watches, cigarette cases, hunting knives, binoculars and telescopes were normally kept for presentation purposes in the Bushire Toshakhana;
• the disposal or sale of firearms and ammunition from the Toshakhana for training or salute purposes, and the use of the Toshakhana for the temporary storage of firearms belonging to Agency staff;
• correspondence with merchants - principally outdoor and sporting goods outlets - regarding orders of gifts for local leaders.

The file also contains a letter of thanks received from Shaikh Rashid bin Hamad bin Shamis (ff 94-95); sales catalogues for tropical equipment, binoculars and telescopes (ff 31-45, 60-80); lists of valuables kept in the Bahrain Toshakhana (ff 89, 142-43, 209-10); and a report on tests carried out on firearms kept at Bahrain (ff 137-38).