A beautiful sterling silver antique Victorian "Albertina" watch chain that can be worn as a bracelet. The Albertina is the feminine version of the Albert watch chain. Albertinas tend to be much prettier with lots of decorative features and they were worn as jewellery rather than as functional item.
The chain features 3 rows of fancy link chain in the centre flanked by "melon" style ribbed bead charms. The ends are comprised of twin strands of classic belcher link chain. It terminates in a dog-clip at one end with the other end decorated in a fancy twist T-bar and a heart locket charm that opens to reveal 2-stations for photos along with its original heart shaped picture rings.
Worn as a bracelet (with the T-bar and heart charm draped enticingly over the hand) the wearing length is 7-1/4" (18,5cm) with the dog-clip fastened to the large jump ring.
A gorgeous Victorian watch chain bracelet and a charming and versatile addition to your antique jewellery collection!
MATERIALS: sterling silver throughout
MEASUREMENTS: 7-1/2" (19cm) laid flat measured from the end of the dog-clip to the large silver ring attached to the dangling heart charm and T-bar. Chains are approx. 2.5mm thick. T-bar length 32mm, dangling heart drop 2-2/4"/7cm. Heart locket 18x18mm
WEIGHT: 18.1 grams
HALLMARKS: stamped 'real silver' on the clip and 'sterling silver' on the heart, we have acid tested other components to confirm that it is sterling throughout
DATE: Victorian, circa 1900
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition with expected minor wear and light tarnish in the hard to reach places. The dog-clip is in perfect working order fastening securely. The locket closes tightly and stays shut, there's green enamelling in the locket interior that has worn off in places,