Silver plate

This dish bears the tughra of either Abdulmecid (ruled 1839-1861) or Abdulaziz (ruled 1861-1876) on the inside, where it has unfortunately been rubbed enough to make decipherment difficult. It also carries the marks of "shah," meaning it has been tested for quality by the assay office of the Mint, and "ayar 90," meaning the silver has a fineness of 900. These quality marks were instituted in 1839, at the beginning of the reign of Abdulmecid, as part of his coinage reforms. Notes from the Glory and Prosperity exhibition, Feb - June 2002.