OTTOMAN ISTANBUL, TURKEY, 1774

Details

A LARGE LEATHER DOCUMENT WALLET
OTTOMAN ISTANBUL, TURKEY, 1774
Of rectangular form with covering flap and lock, the front with silver metal thread embroidery in the form of floral arabesques, the section under the flap inscribed John Stewart Esq., Constantinople 1774, the reverse with central crest topped with lion rampant and the words NOBILIS IRA within a cusped frame with entwined meandering vine, the lower right corner with the initials DDM, the interior with two sections and originally lined in green silk, some repairs the interior and minor losses to the embroidery
9½ x 13¾in. (24.1 x 35cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis. Please note that the lots of Iranian origin are subject to U.S. trade restrictions which currently prohibit the import into the United States. Similar restrictions may apply in other countries.

Lot Essay

While a number of similar wallets are known, most are smaller in size, such as the following lot. The present example is also remarkable in its working of the coat of arms onto the back. The first and fourth quarters are the main Stewart arms, said to date back to those of the Lord Steward of Scotland.

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