[marvelus49]

Hello,
I have three metal bracelets that are quite wide (2 are 1 3/4" and 1 is 3/4" ) all with the funny clasps. I'm not a jewelry wearer and want to sell these on eBay but I don't know how to describe them. They came from my uncle's estate whose wife's family kept many heirlooms. Could these bracelets be very old (like early 1800's?). There's no makers marks so I don't think they're sterling but rather just silver. Hope someone can help! Thanks. Mary

[hheath541]

They could be pewter since they aren't marked. Just from the pictures I would guess that the first two are pewter and the last one is silver. Pewter almost always tarnishes black, while silver can turn a brown/red over large surfaces.

The hand on the last piece is a hamesh hand, probably which makes it jewish or muslim in origin.

I think the clasp is called a 'hinge clasp.'

I have no idea how old they might be. You could try take them to an antique jeweler and seeing they they might be able to give a rough estimate.

I would suggest polishing them up with a soft toothbrush and white toothpaste or silver polish, and then rubbing them with a soft cloth. They are gorgous pieces that just need a little cleaning to really make them shine.

[marvelus49]

Thank you - that was incredibly helpful! I didn't even notice the hand as you pointed out. Thanks again!