Jeff, I just saw this response and am very intrigued by your observations. I'm sorry its taken so long to get back on this board but yes you are correct this piece gets curiouser and curiouser. What leads you to the conclusions about the origins of the silver. I am fascinated by your ability to spot the difference and would love to know more about what you see. Thank you!
This piece really is a trip down both world history and many cultural lanes. I think it belongs in a museum but that's just me. (Once I figure out what we've got here I may end up in a museum having been mummified!)

cc: Jeff's email