SOLD Rare, antique, 19th century, Central Asian, Islamic Turkoman Tekke silver mounted horse bridle. The upper surface decorated with extremely well made, by Turkmen silversmith, two rows of small continuous interlocking silver plaques riveted to the leather and enriched with large Lozenge shaped elaborate shield.
The headpiece is complete with its original, beautifully hand forged, iron horse bit, leather reins with large silver buckles, and adorned on the end with bulky ring.
This Type of horse jewelry was very expensive and exclusively affordable only for upper class (Nobility) of Turkmen people. Due to the richness and beauty of the jewelry it was also used by the aristocracy of other Islamic countries, as a symbol of wealth and high rank. A similar Turcoman Tekke headpiece is in the Powerhouse Museum Collection, Sidney, Australia, which belongs to the Afghani King's elite cavalry. Please see the link below.
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=122355
References: For similar headpiece bridles, please see. The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan, by Johannes Kalter. Page: 14, 15, 45.
The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.
Link to Turkmen bridles:
http://www.akhal-teke.org/traditional-tack.html
MEASUREMENTS, in folded position: Overall length from the top of the head piece to the end of the reins; 183 cm (72 in), overall length of the head piece from the top, to the iron rings of horse bit; 51 cm (20 in).
CONDITION: In good condition considering its age, Leather is still flexible, showing the age and usage, one minor repair on the join of the leather strip with the ring, behind the lower right carnelian mounts. Please see the picture.
WEIGHT: 1843 grams (65.00991 Ounces)
Please see our other Turkoman Tekke silver horse bling
ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED TO BE AUTHENTIC ANTIQUES AND NOT REPRODUCTIONS
ALL OUR ARTIFACTS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
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