no. 1819. THE PHILIP ABYSSINIAN COLLECTION— HOUGH. 269 



Diameter, 2\ inches; width, f inch. 



PI. 18, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261850, U.S.N.M. 



Woman's bracelets. — Silver filigree, one section opening on hinges 

 to admit the wrist. The bracelets are good specimens of modern 

 filigree work. 



Diameter, 2| inches; width, 1 inch. 



PI. 18, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261849, U.S.N.M. 



Scabbard mounting. — Curved terminal metal sheath of a sword 

 scabbard. The design is a combination of stamping with a punch 

 and work with an engraving tool. The field is divided up into panels 

 by bands of textile motive; most of the panels bear the St. Andrews 

 cross while two have a lion and Greek cross. The Abyssinian sword 

 was scimitar shape, the scabbard of leather covered with velvet, 

 the grip of rhinoceros horn. North Abyssinia. 



Length, 12 inches. 



PI. 19, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261882, U.S.N.M. 



Scabbard mounting. — Consisting of the tip of a sword scabbard in 

 silver gilt filigree. Made by forming the metal base for the two 

 sides, piercing it with the design, soldering the two parts together 

 and covering the line with twisted wire. The designs are outlined 

 with wire soldered on, the ends terminating in small bosses simu- 

 lating pearls, which are masses of silver, like small shot, soldered on. 

 The work is crude, but strong. The designs, which are very pleasing, 

 are unlike on the two sides. 



Length, 14 inches. 



PI. 19, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261881, U.S.N.M. 



Case for tweezers. — Of hammered silver ornamented with chasing 

 and decorated with small bangles which produce an agreeable tink- 

 ling sound. In form the specimen is like that of an amphora. The 

 tweezers are used for picking out thorns and when not in use are 

 thrust into the opening at the neck of the case. It is suspended by 

 two silver chains. The case is said to be of very old Abyssinian 

 silverwork. 



Length, 3| inches; diameter, 1 inch. 



PL 19, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261879, U.S.N.M. 



Ornamental bands. — Of silver gilt filigree. These resemble the 

 bands on sword scabbards and the work is like that of No. 261881. 

 They are said to be ornaments for a priest's staff or crutch. 



Length, If inches; width, f inch. 



PL 19, fig. 4. Cat. No. 261856, U.S.N.M. 



Food strainer. — Of beaten silver worked into saucer form and per- 

 forated by punching. The specimen is said to have been the prop- 

 erty of the former King of God jam and is of northern Abyssinian 

 manufacture. 



Diameter, 4^6 inches; height, \ inch. 



