A rare vintage English sterling silver book vinaigrette pendant with the interior grille incorporating a fully working manual wind watch (17 Jewel Swiss made).
The 'book' is incredibly detailed with engraved lines forming the pages, a decorative tab that holds it closed and it has a charming bookmark forming a bale at the top with the end poking out of the pages at the bottom. The front and back are engraved in beautiful antique style ornate flourishes. It opens from the side to reveal a gold gilded interior and decorative pierced grille that incorporates a beautiful watch face behind convex glass. The watch movement is visible and protected behind a clear dust cover.
This vinaigrette is fully hallmarked for London in 1983 along with a St James House company makers mark it is also is hand-etched 336/2500 suggesting no more than 2500 would be produced. We don't know a lot about this company apart from that they were active between 1978 and 1984 and produced gold and silver commemorative & limited edition items
The vinaigrette is in excellent order with minimal wear and the watch keeping perfect time. A superb quality piece, wear as a pendant on a bold neck chain or attach to a watch chain for wear as a unique pocket watch! (Note the chain shown is not included).
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 2"/5cm tall, 1/1/8"/3cm wide, 11mm deep, jump ring 7mm diameter
HALLMARKS: stamped on the back 'lion passant' for sterling, 'leopard head' for London, date letter 'j' for 1983 and makers mark 'SJHC' inside a quatrefoil for St James House Company. Also stamped 'lion passant' and 'leopard head' on the spine and 'lion passant' on the tab. The watch case is marked 'Swiss 17 Jewels'
DATE: 20th century, dated 1983
WEIGHT: 40.3 grams
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with no noted flaws. The watch is mechanical and will need to be wound by hand on a regular basis.
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
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* Returns - you can return your item for a 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 added 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.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, Gold.