A superb Victorian sterling silver Albert pocket watch chain with a Maltese cross fob.
Hallmarked for 1883, this looks to be an all original piece measuring 15-1/2" (39.5cm) end to end. A thick navy/anchor style chain it has chunky oval links with a squared off profile. There are smaller concentric links inside the outer links that help keep them snugly together and prevents wearing away of the outer links. This double walled construction is a sign of quality and it results in a very strong and durable watch chain. Beautiful extra detailing is added with faceted jump rings that connect a matching square profile dog clip and the long T-bar and fob.
The very attractive Maltese cross fob is engraved in typical period decoration with ivy leaves against a hatched background and zig-zag accents. A vacant shield shaped cartouche in the centre means you could chose to have it engraved with initials for a personal touch.
A fantastic solid silver antique Albert watch chain, full of character in a hard to find chain link, this is one to treasure! Theoretically it can be wrapped around the wrist and worn as a bracelet by clipping the dog-clip to one of the rings near the the fob. It could only be worn on a slim wrist (about 6-1/4" or so) and we can provide a silver split ring to add for ease of fastening if you want to wear it as a bracelet.
MATERIALS: sterling silver throughout
MEASUREMENTS: The links are 11.5mm long, 8.4mm wide and 1.97mm thick (gauge). The T-bar is 41.5mm long, dog-clip 22mm x 8mm. Fob 1-1/2" (3.5cm) square. Total length of the chain is approx. 15-1/2" (39.5cm) measured from the end of the clip to the end of the fob. Measures approx. 11-1/2" (29cm) from the clip to the T-bar (drape length). Drop length is approx. 4-1/4" (11cm)
WEIGHT: 40.5 grams
HALLMARKS: fob stamped 'lion passant' for sterling, 'anchor' for Birmingham, date letter 'i' for 1883 and 'J.C.' makers marks possibly for John Cole silversmiths. The chain, t-bar and clip aren't hallmarked and we have acid tested and verified sterling silver throughout
DATE: Victorian, circa 1880
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with signs of age but no real wear. There are faint surface scratches and light tarnish throughout as you might expect. Gorgeous antique patina to the silver and the clip is in perfect working order. We have more photos on our website at www.mercymadge.com
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping – orders are dispatched next business day and sent tracked and insured
* Returns - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Sterling Silver.