hilal

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hilal

Posted by Edith D on September 19, 2011 at 3:02pm

Here is a typical Tunisian "hilal" fibule. It measures approx. 16.5 cm dia., weighs about 150g. It is marked with the number "8" on the knob point, and "Tunis" is inscribed on the needle in Arabic. Both sides have a design although on one side the design is only scratched into the metal. The silver is high quality.

Comments

Alaa eddine SAGID September 24, 2011 at 10:27am

Very deep repoussé.

One of the nicest exmple of crescent fibulas i have ever seen
Edith D September 24, 2011 at 10:47am

Thanks! I paid what I consider a fabulous sum for it (I walked out on the negotiations twice!), but none of the others I found matched this workmanship. It doesn't seem to have a lot of wear on it, but perhaps not that old and/or the needle has been replaced (?)
Chantal September 24, 2011 at 1:32pm

Hi Edith,

This piece is beautiful. Might it be a late piece because of the word Tunis being incised on the needle?

Is it frequent to find such pieces in Tunisia or is it rare?.........I know its rare on ebay (otherwise I would have tried to buy it!). In any case I think it was worth the money and the aggravation of the haggling!
Edith D September 24, 2011 at 3:09pm

The seller tried to tell me it was old, but I do not believe it is. I think mid to late 20th C, but it had to have been made by a master silver smith. I have never seen another this good. The needle could be a replacement as these tend to get beat up and bent. I have made it a policy to buy things based upon 2 criteria: authenticity and quality. If it is old, fine and if not, also fine with me. I decided I don't know enough to buy based upon age, and suspect there is not much early stuff in the shops here of any quality anyhow.
Patricia Deany September 24, 2011 at 3:54pm

I have posted two of these as well, very good silver and wonderful repousse. One of them has several Libyan marks . I have not a clue as to how old they are one was expensive, one extremely cheap so I figure it all evened out in the end. They are in my pics if you care to compare.
Chantal September 24, 2011 at 6:18pm

Hi Patti,

Have followed your suggestion and ended up looking at all your pics. Some are outstanding...........The beduin face veils are magnificent.Can I ask where you got them (unless its a trade secret).
SARAH CORBETT September 24, 2011 at 6:28pm

@Chantal, Patti has a stunning collection and a wonderful eclectic collecting style.. I look forward to visiting her one day to list her treasures!!!! ( set joke!) It would be wonderful if you ladies could meet up sometime...@Patti........... Methinks another trip to England is required xxx ( unkless we can think of somewhere with more jewels to buy and visit there instead!!

S x
Patricia Deany September 24, 2011 at 10:02pm

Chantel, the ebay seller liel99 has a couple of veils now. Sarah, don't tempt me about coming to England I love your family and I just might show up there someday unexpected!
SARAH CORBETT September 24, 2011 at 10:03pm

Our house is your house Patti x
Chantal September 24, 2011 at 10:52pm

Thanks Patti, I know Liel, they have some great stuff, but this month I have overreached my financial possibilities!

Photos

hilal

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