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Sir Basil Zaharoff | |
|---|---|
_cropped.jpg) Basil Zaharoff in 1928 | |
| Born | Zacharias Basileios Zacharoff October 6, 1849[1] |
| Died | November 27, 1936 (aged 87)[2] |
| Nationality | Ottoman, Greek, naturalised French |
| Occupation(s) | Arms dealer, industrialist |
| Known for | Vickers |
Sir Basil Zaharoff [formerly Zacharias Basileios Zacharoff], GCB, GBE (October 6, 1849 – November 27, 1936[2]) was a Greek arms dealer and industrialist. One of the richest men in the world during his lifetime, Zaharoff was described as both a "merchant of death" and a "mystery man of Europe".[3] His success was forged through his cunning, often aggressive and sharp, business tactics. These included the sale of arms to opposing sides in conflicts, sometimes delivering fake or faulty machinery and skilfully using the press to attack business rivals.
Zaharoff maintained close contacts with many powerful political leaders, including British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, Greek Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos and Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
- ^ Thompson, Ralph (November 1932). "Who Is Sir Basil Zaharoff?". Current History. 37 (2). University of California Press: 173–178. doi:10.1525/curh.1932.37.2.173. JSTOR 45334178. S2CID 249072268. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021. Alt URL
- ^ a b "Zaharoff, "Mystery Man of Europe", Dies Armaments Salesman One of the Richest Men". The Calgary Daily Herald. 27 November 1936. p. 1. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2021. Alt URL
- ^ Dash, Mike (16 February 2012). "The Mysterious Mr. Zedzed: The Wickedest Man in the World". Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.