Featured "Gypsy" coin belt

Loupe shots aren't all that much fun. I use a prehistoric 10x rug or stamp magnifier. It folds up and unfolded turns into a lens on a stand. Makes life easier. But if a loupe is all that's handy, it'll work.

 

It took a bit of experimentation - loupe on an articulated holder with a flashlight, with a phone camera. The first 2 marks appear on rings on each panel. I chose the clearest ones. The last mark is on the bent hook at the end of the chain. It looks like it might just be an accidental tool mark.

 

Im kinda seeing the Austrian bird head, but then not really

 

There is some resemblance.The most recent coins included in the belt are from 1845, so the belt was assembled sometime after that. I had assumed it would have been done in the mid to late 19th century, but I have no basis for that.

Perhaps some member more familiar with jewelry might recognize the style of filigree around the coins,and be able to suggest a date. There is also the FK stamp, which I assume is related to whoever assembled it.

Any and all help is much appreciated.

 

I would have been aggressively bidding against you if I would have been at that auction with the full assumption of the piece being silver, without fully identifying the mark.

 

Just found a reference indicating that the F(dot)K mark (in an oval) might be for Franz Kohl of Austria (1867-1922), which would fit the time frame. There are a few other options listed with slightly different fonts and cartouche shapes.

https://www.langantiques.com/university/mark/kohl-franz/

https://www.langantiques.com/university/product-tag/f-dot-k/

 

Nice work!

 

I am not convinced it is the Austrian hoopoe, but it is difficult to see what it could be.

From the beginning I kept seeing an Arts & Crafts look on the mounts. But I didn't want to use the term because it is limited to the English speaking world.

Assuming it is Austrian or Austro-Hungarian and not something else, in Austria it would be considered Jugendstil or Vienna Secession.
Artists from different parts of Europe traveled, exchanged ideas, and worked with each other, which is why you can see different influences in any given style of the period.

 

Very interesting! Thank you.
I was just recently introduced to the term Vienna Secession (with regard to a collection of pottery). Funny how things mysteriously merge.

 

How did you go with everything? I recently came into some trade/ gypsy coins from an auction that I’m trying to polish up and identify. You seem to have provided some great links I’ll have to check out! Any advice for someone trying to identify similar or learn history? I too know nothing although I suspect you know a lot now after all your research!

 

I am afraid this project has retreated to a back burner. I did send an inquiry and photos to Bonhams, but did not receive any reply.

@daveydempsey is the coin person here on this forum, and I believe he also moderates a separate forum on coins somewhere. He can probably give you better advice than I can.

 

Just to be clear, no Gypsy group ever had their own coins. They used the coins they came across, usually of their (main) country of residence.

And as I said, I am doubtful this lovely belt ever had a Gypsy connection. European Roma, Sinti, Calo, etc buy gold, because it is regarded as a safe investment.

The value of OPs belt was in the entire belt, not in the coins.
So if you want to find out about your coins, why not post your own thread?

 

He doesn't moderate it, but he is a member there.
It is owned by the same person as Antiquers is.

 

Thanks, AJ. Hopefully Davey will check in and help PLR out.

 

I did find out from the auctioneer that the belt came from the same estate that had the collection of Vienna Secession pottery, so you were spot on with the probable time period/style.

 

Wonderful, that could possibly confirm what I thought.

 

polishing may kill any value they have..........
we are taught here never to polish old coins..............