An antique silver cuff, with the ends shaped into the image of a lion’s head. Circa early 1900’s or earlier, high grade silver. Rajasthan or Himachal Pradesh, India. It has what is most likely the owners mark or initials engraved on it.
According to A World of Bracelets by Anne von Cutsem, the lion head is a Scythian motive that originated in Persia. These cuffs were most likely only worn by chieftains in early times. The lion’s head has come to gradually look more like a dragon. Heavy bracelets like this one were regarded as an investment and were rarely worn (page 369), hence its very good condition.
Measurements: Inside opening is 5.7 cm, mouth opening is 3.3 cm.