SOLD Rare Antique, 19th century, Central Asian, Islamic Turkoman Tekke horse jewellery, extremely well made, by Turkmen silversmith.

A silver - mounted, leather horse Breast Band, the upper surface decorated and constructed of 4 rows of small continuous interlocking silver plaques, riveted to the leather by brass pins. The center adorned with large silver, spherical domed, pectoral.

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 Neckband is in the Powerhouse Museum Collection, Sidney Australia, which belonged to the Afghani King's elite cavalry. Please see the link below.

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=122355

References: For similar Breast Band, 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: Overall length: 152.5 cm (60in). Dimension of the central pectoral: 5.5 cm (2 1/8 in).Width of the belt: 4 cm (1 5/8 in).

WEIGHT: 645 grams (22.7517 Ounces).