Balkan Ottoman era belt, probably Bulgaria
Old filigree belt buckle from the Balkans, most probably Bulgaria. This shape of buckle was spread within a wide area under Ottoman influence, with some technical and stylistic variations.
The belt buckle was made with a two-layers of gilded silver filigree (tested), fixed with a pin to a metal base to make it stronger. The band is the original one, made of brocade sewn onto a leather band.
From late 19th or early 20th century.
Dimensions:
Length: 81 cm
Belt buckle: 17,5 x 6 cm
Weight: 252 gr
Reference:
“Bulgarian National Costumes and jewellery” Veleva, Maria, Septemvri, 1983
ME58
