SOLD Inscribed and dated 1881, a Bulgarian Ottoman silver bracelet from a collection of 19th century silver bracelets, including other inscribed examples. The design of these bracelets may have developed from Thracian silver bracelets from the medieval era, while these 19th century examples are very close in design to a 17th century example found in the Urvich Fortress hoard: http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/2015/07/01/bulgarias-national-museum-of...

Inscriptions in Greek on both sides and edges of the bracelet, along with the date 1881. Enamel and gilding with an internal silver rattle, which, according to the British Museum with a similar bracelet in its collection, was to ward off evil spirits from the woman as she walked. Other have suggested the rattles were used in dances, although they are fairly quiet. Size 74mm external width, 65mm internal, weight 133gms.

For more photos see: http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_ART_AND_ANTIQUES/Pages/19th_c._Bulgarian_Otto... and look back soon for the other Bulgarian Ottoman bracelets as they are added to the album.

Please contact me for more information.