Islamic Bronze Ottoman Inscribed Signet-Ring Bezel Pendant – The Tradition of Status and Identity – ca. 18th–19th (No reserve price)

Small treasures bearing the traces of history

Medieval Ottoman Inscribed Signet-Ring Bezel Pendant – The Tradition of Status and Identity – ca. 18th–19th Century AD

Description
Distinguished by its elongated oval face and pronounced surrounding border, this signet-ring bezel bears a dense inscription composed of flowing letterforms and clusters of dots. The Arabic term khaṭṭ — writing and calligraphy — expresses the aesthetic character of this small surface, where letters function as both text and ornament.

The piece belongs within the tradition of signet rings representing personal identity in contexts of status and authority. The Arabic term khātam — seal or signet ring — brings together jewellery and personal authentication. Without a secure reading of the inscription, the owner’s name and social position remain undetermined.

An old attachment trace on the reverse preserves evidence of the original ring construction, while the secondary suspension hole near the edge marks its subsequent use as a pendant. Its substantial oval profile and coppery inscription details standing out against the dark background give the piece a striking appearance.

Culture: Islamic -Ottoman
Date: ca. 18th–19th century AD
Material: Metal alloy, probably bronze

Dimensions
Height: 18.21 mm ±
Width: 12.10 mm ±
Depth: 7.71 mm ±
Weight: 7.51 g ±

Note
★ Please consult the measurements to appreciate the piece’s actual size. Photographic framing can make objects of different dimensions appear similar in size.

Buyers wishing to receive a printed Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate may submit their request before shipment. Every shipment is dispatched with full insurance coverage. Differences in shipping charges for certain countries reflect the country-specific costs of this insured service. Warm, museum-inspired lighting was chosen to bring out the object’s surface texture, form, craftsmanship and historic character naturally. Suspension cords and other display accessories visible in the photographs complement the presentation and are not included in the sale.

Information
Surface details have been documented using high-resolution equipment. The object’s form and structural integrity have been preserved, with photographic adjustments limited to minor colour balancing.

Museum-standard technical photographs may be supplied to interested collectors during the auction. If requested before shipment, an expert assessment report and a signed ownership document prepared in the buyer’s name can be provided in PDF format within 3–5 business days.

When identifying an archaeological object, experienced museum specialists and archaeologists consider its known find context, material, form and symbols alongside museum examples and academic research; appropriate advanced laboratory examinations can provide additional scientific insight into specific questions concerning material, manufacture and dating.

The stated period, original function, symbolic meaning and material reflect academic assessments supported by typological comparisons and expert opinions. Advanced scientific analyses are separate examinations conducted beyond the scope of the sale.

Scholarly consistency, transparent communication and good faith guide every presentation; no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.