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History gold in Oz museum

19 Jun 2007

Holidaymakers who enjoy taking in a bit of history while away will be glad to hear that Australia's war museum has a new and interesting artefact on display.

The museum, based in Canberra, is now the proud owner of a golden gun that used to belong to former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein.

Australian soldiers fought in Iraq and remain in the area as operations continue in and around the Middle East.

In recognition of the Australian effort in Iraq, the US army handed over a golden Tabuk rifle that had been found in buildings around Kirkuk, northern Iraq.

Following receipt of the gift, the Australian army presented the Tabuk to the museum where it will be on temporary display in the Orientation Gallery.

'This weapon is an example of the excesses of the former Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein and an integral part of the story to be told about Australia's involvement in the war in Iraq,' said Nola Anderson, branch head of national collections at the museum.

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