Pair Of Silver Wedding Mules – Algeria, 1831-1857

Filigree front buckles enhanced with a central cabochon.

The mules' body is entirely chiseled and engraved with geometric and floral shapes.

Original pink/salmon silk lining, mounted on a leather sole. Maghrebi silversmith work.

Material: Silver hallmarked "Fedjera – virgin silver" (Algeria)

Dimensions: approximately 25 cm long

Total weight: 775 g

Each mule bears (on the side and inside) two circular beaded hallmarks with stylized Arabic inscriptions, identified as "Fedjera – virgin silver" (Algeria). Hallmarking in effect between 1831 and 1857, under the supervision of the oumena (public assayers) before the decree of July 24, 1857, modifying the hallmarks.

These hallmarks indicate a high silver fineness (known as "virgin" silver) and guarantee authenticity and period.

Silver wedding mules, worn during ceremonies, were prestigious pieces within the trousseau. The rich openwork on the instep, the covering chiseling, and the voluminous filigree illustrate the refinement of Algerian silverwork from the mid-19th century.

See:

Sadberk Hanım Museum (Istanbul): very similar pair published, inv. SHM 18123 – K.1257 a-b, in L. Görünür, Shoes: from the Sadberk Hanım Museum Collection, Istanbul, 2014, cat. 92, p. 239.

Note: Be aware that there is a notable difference between Algerian silverware dated 1840 and that from the late 19th century.