An exhibition featuring various unique collectibles and artifacts opened at Wafi, a shopping centre in Dubai with more than 350 unique stores, as part of the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).

DSS 2009, a shopping and family entertainment extravaganza, is currently running at various malls in Dubai and will end on August 14.

The items featured at ‘The Collectors’ this year are distinctive, unique, and exceptional pieces that date back from two centuries to thousands of years.

The historical musical instruments presented by Nasser Makhoul include a Roman bagpipe from 300 BC, a ceramic flute dated 2300 BC and a Celtic pipe from 400 AD, among many others. Eighteenth-century musical instruments by Ghada Kunash were also part of the collections.

Akram Miknas, another well-known collector, shared his collections that included the 1890 barrel carousel organ, the Joseph Fuzelli (London, year 1799) early English six-stop barrel organ and the musical boxes forte piano believed to be introduced by Nicole Freres in 1840.

The Vindemia Gallery is also participating in the exhibition with antique and collectible items ranging from an 1892 gramophone to an 18th century revolver in mahogany inlaid music box of 6 cylinders.

Vintage cars including the 1924 Ferrari and stamps by the Al Serkal Cultural Foundation, old manuscripts and photographs by Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, and antique cameras, old issues of the Time Magazine and other daily newspapers by Ehsan Nasser Ahmed Hussain also make for interesting viewing.

The exhibition also displays contemporary and amusing collections. Suhail Al Zarooni showcased coins and paper money that from countries such as Russia, India, Thailand, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Singapore, US, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and UAE, to name a few.

He also shared his other registry such as miniature cars, miniature Fender guitars, newspapers, magazines, Starbucks drinking mugs and even M&M chocolate character collectibles.

Amusing souvenirs from around the world like snow globes, jeepneys, miniature airplanes and masks were the focal point of Suhail and Saif Walid’s mementos while the group Phoenix Riders and Hisham Demashki put on show Harley Davidson motorcycles that the group used in their cross-country travels.

Another highlight of the event is the world’s smallest 18-karat diamond ring with a gross weight of only 0.024 grams. Created by Syrian artist Obaid Qudsi in collaboration with Damas Jewellery, the ring is displayed in a special casing.

Other collections include stamps from various GCC countries, renowned hotel key cards, phone cards, Kinder Surprises toys, prayer beads, stones and gems, perfume bottles, cufflinks, designer pens, and wrist watches.

‘The Collectors’ is open from 10 am to 10 pm at Wafi, and will run until August 7. – TradeArabia News Service