Lot 108: AN OMANI SILVER AND GOLD BEDOUIN COLLAR NECKLACE WITH AMULET PENDANT AND MARIA THERESA THALERS, 19TH CENTURY

AN OMANI SILVER AND GOLD BEDOUIN COLLAR NECKLACE WITH AMULET PENDANT AND MARIA THERESA THALERS, 19TH CENTURY

An Omani Bedouin collar-style necklace crafted from silver and silver-gilt components. The piece features two parallel strands of thick cream-coloured fiber cord, which are interconnected by two rows of cast silver-toned beads, each decorated with projecting lobes or spikes. These strands are further embellished with multiple silver-gilt cylindrical spacers. Integrated into the necklace are six silver Maria Theresa Thaler trade coins. The obverse of the coins displays the profile of Empress Maria Theresa and is inscribed M THERESIA D G R IMP HU BO REG. The reverse, where visible, features the imperial double-headed eagle and the inscription ARCHID AVST DUX BURG CO TYR 1780 X. At the base of the collar is a large, horizontal rectangular amulet box pendant, or hirz, decorated with bands of granulation, filigree wire work, and silver-gilt wraps. A fringe of multiple chain links hangs from the bottom of the pendant, each terminating in a small square silver-toned dangle. The upper sections of the cord are bound in fine silver wire wraps, and the necklace terminates in a large knotted fiber cord.

L: 53cm, Weight: 948g