What is this engraving on a Turkish Coffee Pot?

October 2, 2020 12:33 AM

I just bought me a vintage Turkish coffee pot, probably of copper alloy. And engraved on it is this emblem. It looks to me that it could be a heraldic symbol. But there is nothing there that would indicate some Islamic elements. All I see at the top is what I think are the horns of a ram. I would appreciate if somebody could tell me more of this engraving. And what is this kind of pot called? Thank you
posted by kryptos to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

I mean it’s a shield with a chevron and three crosses, which certainly looks like a fairly standard coat of arms in the European tradition. The crosses in particular aren't very Islamic.

It could, for example, be the Sterne family crest from Buckinghamshire… but it probably isn’t. It might just be a generically medieval-looking crest designed to appeal to tourists, for that matter.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:31 AM on October 2, 2020 [2 favorites]

Are you sure it’s Turkish? That might be a red herring.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:39 AM on October 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

I agree with Bloxworth Snout, you may want to consider looking for non Turkish designs.
posted by stripesandplaid at 7:53 AM on October 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

It does look like European heraldry! The tradition of Turkish objects made with heraldic designs for sale to Europeans is quite old. For example, here's an Iznik plate with a heraldic motif made c. 1600, in the British Museum.
posted by yarntheory at 9:15 AM on October 2, 2020

The names Southworth, Kennedy and Barclay also show crests with the same 3 cross and chevron design.
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:27 AM on October 2, 2020

Response by poster: Thanks, you guys for the input. Appreciate it.
I guess the crest is not Turkish after all. :-D
posted by kryptos at 5:14 AM on October 4, 2020