Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

The finest objects brought to you by {name}

Willem Knapen

West Africa (Nigeria, Benue–Niger region) – Massive Bronze Arm Ring Currency – 19th Century
________________________________________
Description
Exceptional and very heavy West African bronze arm ring currency, originating from the Nigeria Benue–Niger region. This object belongs to the well-documented category of bracelet money, a form of pre-monetary metal currency used for trade, bridewealth and ceremonial payments.
The arm ring is cast from a copper alloy and has a diameter of approximately 12 cm, with an impressive weight of 902 grams. The ring is open, with broad flattened terminals, a typical feature of West African arm ring currencies. The massive proportions and utilitarian form clearly indicate that this object was not intended to be worn as jewellery, but functioned as a store of value.
The surface shows a dark brown to green patina with numerous incised and scratched lines, resulting from traditional manufacture and long-term circulation. No decorative or symbolic motifs are present, consistent with the functional nature of this type of currency.
Comparable examples are illustrated in classic references such as Opitz, Odd & Curious Money and in ethnographic collections documenting West African monetary systems.
________________________________________
Details
•	Material: Bronze (copper alloy)
•	Weight: 902 g
•	Diameter: approx. 12 cm
•	Form: Open arm ring currency
•	Region: West Africa (Nigeria, Benue–Niger region)
•	Function: Currency / bridewealth / ceremonial payment
•	Period: 19th century
•	Condition: Authentic wear and patina consistent with age


Ungraded

Massive Bronze Arm Ring Currency 19th Century  (No reserve price)

Whisky

Reserve price

No reserve price

Closing date

Sunday

Saturday

Monday

Friday

today

tomorrow

Tuesday

Budget

From

Location

Germany

Italy

France

Belgium

Poland

The Netherlands

Taiwan

Spain

Portugal

Japan

Malta

Austria

Andorra

Denmark

Sweden

United Kingdom

Hungary

Bulgaria

Switzerland

Czech Republic

Finland

Latvia

Romania

United States

Brand

Macallan

Johnnie Walker

Jack Daniel's

Glenfiddich

Glendronach

Hibiki

Springbank

Balvenie

Ardbeg

Caol Ila

Glenturret

Bruichladdich

Glenmorangie

Laphroaig

Octomore

Aberlour

Benriach

Glen Grant

Bowmore

Ben Nevis

Dalmore

Glenrothes

Yamazaki

Ballantine's

Royal Salute

Object

Single malt whisky

Blended whisky

Scotch whisky

Japanese whisky

Bourbon whiskey

Tennessee whiskey

Blended malt whisky

Irish whiskey

Malt whisky

Rye whisky

Canadian whisky

Pure malt 

Liqueur

Pure malt

American whiskey

Country of origin

Scotland

Speyside

Highlands

Islay

Campbeltown

Lowlands

Ireland

Isle of Skye

Orkney

Isle of Arran

Canada

England

Isle of Mull

Isle of Jura

Netherlands

Australia

Norway

Bottle size

70cl

700ml

75cl

750ml

1 Litre

50cl

20cl

35cl

1.5 Litres

75.7cl

2 Litres

1.13 Litres

33.3cl

3 Litres

Period

1970s

1990s

1980s

2020s

2000s

2010s

1960s

Alcohol Percent List

57.1%

46.5%

47.8%

48.3%

45.8%

51.5%

41.3%

48.5%

50.4%

46.3%

47.6%

48.2%

50.1%

50.8%

52.5%

55.5%

Bottler

Signatory Vintage

Suntory

Gordon & MacPhail

Nikka

Douglas Laing

Duncan Taylor

Jack Wiebers

Best Dram

The Ultimate

Silver Seal

La Maison du Whisky

Hidden Spirits

Samaroli

Sestante

The Whisky Agency

Hunter Laing

Ian MacLeod

Murray McDavid

Sansibar

Velier

Douglas McGibbon

First Cask

Justerini & Brooks

That Boutique-y Whisky Company

The Maltman

Whisky - 45%

Miyagikyo 10 years old - Nikka  - 700ml

Whisky - 40%

Glendullan - Radiant Spring Garden  - 70cl

Whisky - 43%, 40%

Tenjaku + Tenjaku Pure Malt + Tenjaku Sherry Cask  - 700ml - 3 bottles

Single malt whisky - 50%

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie  - 700ml - 3 bottles

Whisky - 46%

North British 2008 18 years old The Un-Chillfiltered Collection - Signatory Vintage  - b. 2026  - 700ml - 2 bottles

Ballantine's 12 years old & Finest  - b. 1980s, 1970s - 75cl - 3 bottles

Single malt whisky - 46%

Springbank 15 years old  - b. 2022  - 70cl

Whisky - 54.0%

Blair Athol 2008 11 years old Dimensions - Cask Strength - Single Cask - Duncan Taylor  - b. 2020  - 700ml

Single malt whisky - 56.6%

Springbank 12 years old Cask Strength  - b. 2026  - 70cl

Whisky

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Massive Bronze Arm Ring Currency 19th Century (No reserve price)

Popular in Whisky

1063 objects

Related collections