A wonderful all original and unique very large antique gold locket engraved on the back "Presented to Miss Hannah, by the Scholars of Aberdeen School as a mark of love and respect, 17-10-82" (17th October, 1882)
We are fairly certain this refers to Aberdeen Grammar School, a once private school for boys in Scotland that incredibly dates back to the 12th century. We can't help wonder who this beloved member of staff Miss Hannah was!
The locket is silver gilt (high quality gold plated sterling silver) and fully hallmarked. This is one of the largest and heaviest Victorian lockets we have seen and it is nice and deep so there is plenty of room inside. It is hinged at the side with 2 compartments to house your photos and mementos. The silver is a sturdy gauge, not thin and tinny. It has a large teardrop shaped bale and the front is embossed in a very pretty cala lily and forget-me-not floral pattern. The calla lily represents majesty and marriage so we can't help wondering if the was a wedding gift to Miss Hannah!
Hard to believe given age but the locket looks as fresh as the day it was made, there are no signs of any wear, everything about it is crisp and sharp with the gilding still a bright gold and the original pictures rings still safe inside. A truly exquisite and unique Victorian locket bound to bring endless joy to its new owner.
MATERIALS: sterling silver, gold
MEASUREMENTS: 2-1/2" high (62mm), 1-1/2" wide (35mm) and 8mm deep
DATE: 1880s, Victorian
WEIGHT: 21.7 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped on the inside & outside of the locket and on the picture rings with the lion passant for sterling silver, also stamped with anchor for Birmingham, date letter gothic 'g' for 1881 and makers mark 'W.F'
CONDITION: Fine antique condition with just minimal light tarnish and faint surface scratches, please see photos. The hinge is in perfect condition with locket snapping tightly shut with a satisfying snap. We have added a new sterling silver gold gilded Belcher chain for immediate wear.
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique antique jewellery. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!