A slice of history showcasing Malta’s long link with Libya will go under the hammer next week as a ceremonial saddle given by Muammar Gaddafi to late prime minister Dom Mintoff goes up for sale.

Presented to the avid horse-lover in the 1970s, the saddle came from his private residence in Tarxien and was sold in a separate auction a year ago.

Complete with an ornate, engraved whip and a detailed embroidered bridle, the saddle sits in the main hall of Obelisk Auctions owned by auctioneer Pierre Grech Pillow.

Beneath the saddle are thick sheepskin blankets, which acted as a barrier between the heavy saddle and the horse. It is adorned with tiny pink pom-poms, gold embroidered thread and blue oval pieces with intricate designs on a rich red fabric.

Mr Mintoff with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The saddle was actually used by the former Libyan dictator and a black and white photograph, published by news agency Associated Press, shows a young Gaddafi smiling and waving to a crowd during a ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of the eviction of Italians from Libya.

The starting price is €5,000 and Mr Grech Pillow believes there will be great interest in the item, which is being sold together with another 900 lots that include jewellery, paintings, rare Maltese silver and antique weapons.

“It’s a great experience and very prestigious to sell such items,” he said.

The saddle was given to Mr Mintoff in the 1970s. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Mr Mintoff had a long-standing friendship with the former Libyan dictator who was forced out in an uprising and killed in October 2011.

Other items belonging to Malta’s former prime minister, who died at the age of 96 in 2012, have been sold.

A grey 1962 Mercedes Benz 190D saloon was bought by a doctor, Adrian Vella, for €20,000 after the car originally failed to sell at auction, while his famous belts with large buckles as well as other personal effects have also gone under the hammer.

The auction items can be viewed at Obelisk Auctions, Villa Drusilla, Mdina Road, Attard, until tomorrow from 10am to 5pm and, on the mornings of the auction, between 10am and noon.

The auction will take place between Tuesday and Friday at 4.30pm and on Saturday at 2.30pm. For more information visit www.obeliskauctions.com.