Epoch Collection

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  • Egyptian Chased Silver Presentation Plate, Foreign Diplomatic Gift to CIA Officer, c.2015

    Provenance Dossier

    A chased silver presentation plate of Egyptian origin, accepted as a diplomatic gift by a senior CIA official circa 2015. Supported by Federal Register and GSA records, the piece represents a rare surviving example of modern U.S. intelligence-related state gift silver.

    *** NOTE: This item is now live on eBay. ***


    Object Summary

    • Chased silver presentation plate depicting three Egyptian female musicians beneath a stylized sunburst.
    • Includes original blue velvet presentation case with fitted interior and lacquered wooden display stand.
    • Material: .900 silver (Arabic hallmark “٩٠٠” to verso).
    • Hallmarks: Two-compartment punch — left: “٩٠٠”; right: distinctive emblem consistent with non-commercial diplomatic workshop practice.
    • Dimensions / Weight: 10.5 in diameter · 265 g (8.5 troy oz).
    • Date: c. 2015–2017 (based on hallmark style and confirmed federal custody dates).
    • Origin: Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt.
    • Overall Condition: Excellent
    • Surface: very minor scuffs consistent with handling
    • Label: Government intake sticker “15-028” intact on verso


    Provenance & Chain of Custody (Documented)

    FOREIGN GIFTS reported to GSA on SF120 forms 2017-2021:

    • Referenced in GSA correspondence responding to a 2021 FOIA request confirming GSA turn-in and excess dates
    ICNReporting AgencyDescriptionValueFYRecipientDonor AgencyDonor NameTurned in to GSASurplus Date
    56310182000013US Gov’t AgencyPLATE, EGYPTIAN CHASED SILVER PICTORIAL , DEPICTING THREE FEMALE MUSICIANS.$5002018US Gov’t AgencyUS Gov’t AgencyForeign Donor08/22/201807/19/2018

    GSA Foreign Gifts Program Database:

    • Referenced in GSA correspondence responding to a second 2021 FOIA request confirming CIA custody
    ICNAgencyNameEst CostRecipientDonorDescriptionReportedReported Excess
    56310182000013CIAbc PLATE SILVER PICTORIAL$500CIA OfficerForeign DonorPLATE, EGYPTIAN CHASED SILVER PICTORIAL , DEPICTING THREE FEMALE MUSICIANS.7/19/201808/22/18

    Public Sale (GSA Auctions):

    • Listing: GSA Auctions (Springfield, VA) with language that mirrors SF-120 and Foreign Gift Program Database.
    • Buyer: Present owner (consignor).
    • Receipt: GSA Auction Screenshot shows ICN 56310182000013. Purchase receipt confirms acquisition via public auction.

    Provenance line (catalog-ready):
    Foreign Diplomatic Gift from the Government of Egypt; accepted by a CIA officer under 5 U.S.C. §7342; held in U.S. government custody under ICN 56310182000013 with original intake label “15-028” preserved; declared surplus 22 August 2018 and disposed of via GSA Auctions, Springfield, VA; acquired by the present owner.


    Hallmark Analysis (Summary)

    • Format: Rectangular two-compartment punch.
      • Left compartment: Arabic numerals “٩٠٠” = .900 silver fineness (90% purity), standard for Egyptian presentation silver.
      • Right compartment: A distinctive Egyptian emblem. Its form—tall, glyph-like; resembles Winged Goddess Isis.
    • Interpretation: Most Egyptian silver from this era bears three marks (purity + national + date). This two-compartment variation is less commonly seen, and may reflect a special-purpose or institutional production, though its exact origin remains under study.
    • Conclusion: Hallmarks corroborate Egyptian origin and official commission; together with the federal records, they strongly support the piece’s diplomatic status.


    Diplomatic Context (by process of elimination)

    This artifact was cross-referenced against official U.S. government records of foreign gifts reported under 5 U.S.C. § 7342, which mandates disclosure of gifts received by federal officials above the “minimal value” threshold. The Federal Register listings for the Central Intelligence Agency were carefully examined for corresponding entries that match the description of this chased silver plate and other known metadata. This analysis produced one unique record fully consistent with the artifact’s known characteristics:

    Federal Register 70516 / Vol. 81, No. 197 / Wednesday, October 12, 2016

    “Silver plate. Rec’d—6/30/2015. Est. Value—$500.00. Disposition—Pending transfer to General Services Administration.”
    Recipient: The Honorable John O. Brennan, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

    This entry represents the only occurrence in the Federal Register meeting all required criteria:

    • CIA provenance
    • Silver material composition
    • Stated diplomatic gift
    • Assigned valuation of $500
    • Documented transfer to GSA
    • Receipt date prior to the GSA disposition record for this artifact

    Taken together, the statutory reporting, agency-specific Federal Register citation, value designation, and transfer chain collectively support the conclusion that the silver item addressed in this dossier is the same “silver plate” presented to then-CIA Director John O. Brennan on June 30, 2015, in the course of official diplomatic engagement. The surviving government intake label of 15-028 also supports this conclusion, as it is a strong indicator of a 2015 diplomatic exchange.

    Most probable event:

    On 19 April 2015, CIA Director John O. Brennan made an unannounced visit to Cairo, where he held discussions with Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. According to an Egyptian presidential statement, the talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation of mutual strategic interest — particularly in the domains of counter-terrorism and regional security. Egypt’s official press further confirms that “the duo met in Cairo last April” in the context of expanding the U.S.–Egypt partnership.

    Given the publicly reported timing and location of Director Brennan’s trip — and the contemporaneous value, reference and custody chain of the artifact (a silver plate valued at $500, received by the CIA on 30 June 2015) — this diplomatic event emerges as the most probable context for the gift’s presentation. The April 2015 meeting aligns closely with the June acceptance date recorded in the Federal Register, and corresponds to the high-level engagement milieu in which a gift to the Director of the CIA would reasonably be bestowed.

    In other words: the silver plate appears likely to have been conferred during Brennan’s Cairo engagement days earlier, as part of a diplomatic gesture linked to the U.S.–Egypt intelligence and security partnership under the Sisi administration. While the absence of an explicit public announcement tying the plate to the meeting prevents absolute certainty, the alignment of timing, recipient, agency, and value make this event by far the most plausible origin of the item.

    Additional Context

    Interestingly, within the same approximate diplomatic timeframe, a very similar silver presentation plate was recorded in public U.S. foreign-gift disclosures under the presidency of Barack Obama. That plate is described as a “circular tray depicting three Egyptian women playing musical instruments under the sun. Rec’d — 2/12/2016. Est. Value — $550.00. Disposition — National Archives and Records Administration. Donor: His Excellency Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.” (Federal Register, Jan 11 2018). Though not identical in every descriptive detail, the form (a silver-plate diplomatic gift from Egypt with similar motif), material (silver), donor (Egyptian head of state) and timing (2016) closely parallel the object under review. This circumstance does not in itself confirm full identity, but it strongly reinforces the plausibility of our attribution: the same foreign-government gifting practice appears within the same bilateral diplomatic channel, supporting the conclusion that the plate accepted by the CIA in 2015 was part of sustained Egyptian diplomatic silver gifting practice.

    Summary

    This plate represents a rare example of modern diplomatic silver with clear, verifiable CIA provenance. It would make an excellent display piece for collectors of intelligence history, diplomatic memorabilia, or international presentation silver.

    Because the U.S. Government does not individually photograph or serialize diplomatic gifts in the Federal Register, objects are identified by descriptive attributes rather than unique personal inscriptions. In this case, those attributes—supported by the Federal Register record, GSA FOIA correspondence, SF-120 documentation, and matching intake tag and valuation—converge uniquely on the silver plate reported as received by Director Brennan. While no physical inscription names him directly, the documented chain of custody and characteristic profile establish a high-confidence attribution to the diplomatic gift presented during his tenure as Director of the CIA.

  • Tag Heuer Forumla 1 Calibre 7 GMT, a gift to General Mark A. Milley (SOLD)

    10/20/25 UPDATE: This item has been sold to a private collector via eBay. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest and reached out about its provenance and history.

    The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 7 GMT is a watch that perfectly represents the brand’s long association with sport, travel, and robust design. Released in 2015, the model features a 41mm stainless steel case, a bold black dial, and a striking black-and-blue 24-hour bezel that makes it easy to track a second time zone. Powered by the automatic Calibre 7 movement, it offers a date complication at 3 o’clock and a durable steel bracelet, with water resistance up to 200 meters. The Formula 1 line has always been known for blending ruggedness with style, and this GMT edition reflects TAG Heuer’s emphasis on functionality for those constantly on the move. It is a contemporary timepiece that balances sportiness with Swiss luxury, making it both practical and eye-catching.

    This particular watch carries a story that extends far beyond its technical features. The piece was recorded in the Federal Register on March 31, 2017 as a gift to General Mark A. Milley, then serving as Chief of Staff of the United States Army, by Major General Saleh Mohammad Al Ameri of the United Arab Emirates Land Forces. Diplomatic gifts of this nature are steeped in tradition, often serving as tokens of respect and symbols of cooperation between allied militaries.

    The exchange of a Swiss timepiece was a fitting gesture in this context. Luxury watches are not only admired objects of craftsmanship, but also carry an international language of esteem and respect. In presenting Milley with this TAG Heuer Formula 1, General Al Ameri honored both his counterpart and the enduring partnership between their forces. The watch thus represents more than a precision instrument of timekeeping—it embodies a moment in contemporary military diplomacy, linking two officers, two nations, and the ongoing story of cooperation in a turbulent region.

    Provenance & Documentation

    This timepiece’s history is firmly grounded in official U.S. government records and a complete chain of custody.

    Gift Origin (2017)
    The timepiece was recorded in the Federal Register (Department of the Army report of foreign gifts, published 2019) as a gift from Major General Saleh Mohammad Al Ameri of the United Arab Emirates Land Forces to General Mark A. Milley, then serving as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. The Register lists the gift as a “TAG Heuer Men’s WAZ211A.BA0875 Formula 1 analog display Swiss automatic silver watch,” with the disposition noted as “Transferred to the General Services Administration.”

    Transfer to GSA Custody
    Following its official acceptance, the watch entered the General Services Administration (GSA) Foreign Gift inventory under internal control number W910M671010007. Both the Federal Register and a GSA SF-120 database (obtained via FOIA in 2021) confirm General Milley as recipient and Major General Al Ameri as donor. The original government property label remains affixed to the presentation box and identifies both individuals by name as shown below.

    Private Acquisition and Sale
    This watch was acquired by The Epoch Collection on September 17, 2025, through a public auction conducted by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) following its official transfer from the Department of the Army. The watch has since been sold to a private collector via eBay in October 2025.

  • “Diego Sisay ’10”: Indigenous Figure with Diplomatic Roots

    12/7/25 UPDATE: This item has been sold to a private collector via eBay. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest and reached out about its provenance and history.

    This 22″ × 18″ (framed) oil painting, signed “Diego Sisay ’10,” portrays an indigenous Guatemalan figure with dignity and poise. The artwork reflects the artistic traditions of Santiago Atitlán, a lakeside community known for producing some of Guatemala’s most respected indigenous painters.

    The Sisay family stands at the center of this tradition. The patriarch, Juan Sisay (1921–1989), was a Tz’utujil Maya painter whose depictions of village life, ceremonies, and landscapes established him among Guatemala’s most celebrated artists. His paintings are marked by a distinctive folk realism that earned international exhibitions and the Orden del Quetzal, Guatemala’s highest civilian honor.

    His sons, including Juan Diego Sisay, continued that legacy into the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Unlike his father’s bustling village scenes, Juan Diego focused on portraiture — capturing individual sitters whose expressions convey both cultural identity and personal humanity. This portrait is a clear example of that approach: a direct, intimate likeness rooted in indigenous tradition and history.

    The painting also entered the realm of diplomacy. On March 8, 2010, Guatemalan President Álvaro Colom presented it to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her official visit to Guatemala. At the time, Colom was advancing social programs aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusion, while Clinton’s visit reflected the United States’ effort to renew engagement in Central America through cooperation and development.

    The symbolic gift of an indigenous portrait carried layers of meaning. It honored Guatemala’s indigenous heritage, highlighted the dignity of communities often underrepresented, and reflected Colom’s emphasis on social inclusion. For Clinton and the United States, it was both a cultural gesture and a reminder of shared values and partnership.

    As a work of art, “Diego Sisay ’10” is an intimate portrait within the Atitlán tradition — bridging folk realism with individualized representation. As a diplomatic gift, it shows how art can transcend aesthetics to serve as a bridge between nations. The painting endures as a symbol of dignity, identity, and mutual respect — and as a lasting reminder of how a single canvas can capture not only a face, but also a moment in history.

    Provenance & Documentation

    This painting’s history is firmly grounded in official U.S. government records and a complete chain of custody.

    Gift Origin (2010)
    On March 8, 2010, Guatemalan President Álvaro Colom presented the work to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her official visit to Guatemala City. The presentation is recorded in the Federal Register (Vol. 78, No. 101, May 24, 2013), where it appears as a “22″ × 18″ painting of indigenous male” with the disposition noted as “Pending Transfer to the General Services Administration.”

    Transfer to GSA Custody
    The painting entered the General Services Administration (GSA) Foreign Gift inventory. It was catalogued under Lot #11QSCI25312 / Item 091, and remains identifiable through a partial government property sticker still affixed to the reverse, listing “Colom” as the donor.

    Public Auction (2025) and Private eBay sale.
    After completing government retention and review, the artwork was formally released through GSA Auctions (Springfield, Virginia) in September 2025. Epoch Collection acquired the piece, with full purchase and payment documentation included. It was later transferred to a private collector through an eBay sale in December 2025.

  • Introducing Epoch Collection

    Introducing Epoch Collection

    Welcome to Epoch Collection — a growing archive dedicated to preserving artifacts that speak quietly, yet powerfully, about history.

    These objects once moved through the highest levels of diplomacy, politics, and culture. Some were gifted, some displayed, and some eventually forgotten — until now. Each carries the imprint of an era: the exchange of power, the art of statecraft, and the heritage of moments that defined their time.

    Epoch Collection’s mission is simple: to preserve and share the remnants of eras, preserved. From paintings and textiles to ceremonial objects and personal items, every piece is more than material — it is a witness to history.

    This project begins with a few select acquisitions, carefully sourced and researched, each chosen for the story it tells. Over time, the collection will grow, expanding into a broader archive of diplomatic and cultural history.

    Here, you won’t find every detail revealed — some secrets remain in the background, just as in the objects themselves. But what you will find is a narrative: a way of looking at these artifacts not as curiosities, but as fragments of the eras that shaped us.

    Welcome to Epoch Collection. Explore more at epochcol.com