Fully hallmarked for 1882 this Aesthetic Movement silver bangle is beautifully hand-engraved in gorgeous oriental motifs with swallows, cranes, tall grasses and swaying palms on the front. Adding to the immense decorative appeal the bracelet is engraved on the inside with the ornate monogrammed initials of the original owner "KJW".
An absolute classic of the Victorian Aesthetic era and high quality the bracelet is solidly constructed on the oval with rolled edges for comfort. It is hinged at one side with a hidden shovel clasp at the other and it has a safety chain.
This antique beauty is a Victorian love token too, swallows are birds that mate for life and they were closely associated with love and loyalty so this type of bracelet made for a popular sweetheart gift in Victorian times.
MATERIALS: sterling silver
ERA: Victorian, Aesthetic, circa 1880
MEASUREMENTS: 1-3/8" (3.5cm) wide, inner circumference 7-1/4" (18.5cm), inner diameter: hinge to clasp 2-1/4" (5.6cm), front to back 1-3/4" (4.5cm)
HALLMARKS: stamped inside the back 'lion passant' for sterling, 'anchor' for Birmingham, date letter Gothic 'h' for 1882 and makers mark 'FM'. Stamped inside front 'lion passant' and date letter 'h'.
WEIGHT: 32.7 grams
CONDITION: very, very good condition with light surface scratches as expected in a 150 year old Victorian bangle. The engraving is still lovely and crisp and the clasp is in perfect working order. There are a few very minor tiny dents in the silver but nothing untoward