Old chain belt with an Ottoman style clasp in the front.  This belt is sterling grade silver with small colored glass insets on the front.  The clasp is decorated with fine silver granulation and wirework in a pattern that has long been used for large men's Ottoman style belts.  This belt is smaller and very detailed.  The paisley shapes have hooks on the reverse side for attaching to a skirt or other item of clothing.  The chain drapes sweetly around the waist or hips. 

While the basic clasp design is Ottoman in style, the granulation work and bird design hint at an origin further east, reminiscent of Turkoman silverwork.  Fine wirework like that displayed on the face of this clasp has been used from the Balkan states to the Indian subcontinent and the chain design speaks of the decorative style of India as well. 

Chain and clasp test at sterling grade silver.  Rings may have a lesser silver content.  Very slight wear on the three main raised elements, but overall in fine condition.  Clasp is 4.5 inches across and about 1.75 inches top to bottom. Total length of belt is about 36 inches. 

My best guess at origin would be eastern Turkey or even perhaps from across the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan.

This item is eligible for layaway!