Antique 1800's Silver Firman Ferman Berat Document Holder Ottoman Turkey Tughra

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Description

An Extremely RARE artifact from Ottoman Empire
It is a Ferman/Firman or Berat holder, a container used to carry and … Read more An Extremely RARE artifact from Ottoman Empire
It is a Ferman/Firman or Berat holder, a container used to carry and store important Sultan's or high royalty signed documents, bearing the weight of laws
Large and cylindrical in shape with two finials on both sides, where eventually a string would be attached in order to be carried across the shoulders by the messenger
It consist of two parts, both exquisitely elaborated with open work in floral patterns
In the middle there is a blank space for engraved inscription
Both parts are stamped with identical Sultan's Tughras and hallmarks of the silversmith
There is also a deep zig-zag scratched mark on the inner part, which is an Assayer's or Customs certification of the silver fineness and suggests that the roll was possibly carried outside of the Ottoman Empire borders
Circa 19th century, it could be precisely dated by deciphering the Tughra. There is a tag from a previous owner or collector, which attributes it to the reign of Sultan Abdulmejid I (1839-1861)
All original
Measurements: Approx. 15" long, 2.25" diameter (across)
Weighs about 326gr. = 11.5 oz.
Condition: Very Good overall. Centuries old patina. Please see photos below. All original and unaltered! See less