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