Featured Bronze Cuff Bracelet

The entire region, including demanding Greece, was occupied by the Turks in the 16th century. That is why these bracelets are often referred to as Ottoman Balkan.
They all kept their own Balkan cultures though, in spite of restrictions which certain Ottoman rulers imposed.

 

Ok, was there a country Macedonia in 15th century?

 

There were two Macedonian countries in 15th century, two local kingdoms, following the collapse of the Byzantine empire.
But that has little to do with the style of the bracelet, which is Ottoman Balkan.

 

Like independent countries? What is a local kingdom? Did they have their own kings?

 

Yes, they did.

 

From what I’m finding out the last king of Macedonia was Perseus (179–168BC)?

 

I think you are just looking at ancient Macedonia. Try looking for the history of North Macedonia, different search term since the name change became official.

But it is not relevant for the cuff, the style is Ottoman Balkan, but made after the Ottoman period. A reference to the 15th century would probably be seen as keyword spam.

 

These are described as 14-16th century but not sure how reliable is the seller.
http://www.ancientresource.com/lots/ancient_jewelry/jewelry-medieval.html

@Any Jewelry
Sorry but I have to ask. Who were the kings of North Macedonia in 15th century? Seems like the Bulgarian and Serbian were dominating the region?

 

Here is one original, silver, Urvich Treasure, Bulgaria, 14-17th century.
http://archaeologyinbulgaria.com/20...urvich-fortress-near-bulgarias-capital-sofia/

 

While on the subject, beautiful Thracian gold treasure.

 

With absolutely no knowledge to run with, this looks remarkably clunky and uncomfortable to wear. Would a woman wear it as a bracelet? Not to say a guy wouldn't or couldn't but - it looks like it ought to be a wrist guard or some such. Something solid and practical. Or could it be a grip for something?

 

I don’t know. Because it looks like a bracelet it is described as a bracelet, even in the treasure description. Maybe noone tried to research if it could be something else.
I wish I could tell you if comfortable to wear but have to break few fingers and bones to put it on.

 

“The hollow areas inside the bracelet often contain beads that rattle as the wearer moved toward off evil spirits”

http://www.kilim.ie/TRIBAL_ART_AND_ANTIQUES/Pages/19th_c._Bulgarian_Ottoman_Bracelets.html

 

Did you see the British museum page? The curator's comments may be helpful.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/resea...rtId=1&searchText=bracelet&place=36289&page=1

 

Thanks for the link. So far the most detailed information.

 

You're welcome... but it was actually a link on the page you posted and I just followed it from there.

 

Maybe because they all knew it to be a bracelet? I have seen it being worn as a bracelet on old photographs.

 

This collector says she can wear hers:
http://ethnicjewels.ning.com/photo/bulgarian-bracelet-2

Here is one with a cross, like yours:
http://ethnicjewels.ning.com/photo/bulgarian-bracelet-4

There are several of the general type on the ethnic jewels forum, this one is the most beautiful:

http://ethnicjewels.ning.com/photo/bulgarian-ottoman-bracelet-w-mercury-gilding-enamel-tughras-1

 

It is absolutely a bracelet, even if small diameter, comfy once on
Here is my gilt metal one: