{"product_id":"vintage-1970s-chunky-sterling-silver-23773","title":"Vintage 1970s Chunky Sterling Silver Heart Padlock Bracelet, Fred Manshaw 1974 London Hallmarks","description":"\u003cp\u003eA superb vintage 1970s sterling silver curb chain bracelet by Fred Manshaw Ltd., dating to 1974, with a substantial heart-shaped padlock clasp. This is a particularly handsome example of the classic British curb bracelet, with excellent weight, strong proportions and the romantic heart-padlock motif that has remained enduringly popular since the Victorian era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bracelet is beautifully made, weighing a substantial 37.4 grams, with thick, solid curb links that have a satisfyingly substantial feel without being overly heavy or cumbersome. The generously sized heart-shaped padlock is complete with a realistically detailed keyhole. No key is required to operate it: the hasp simply pushes in at the small nub to open, then swings back into place and closes with a satisfying, secure click. A fine safety chain is attached to the padlock for additional security.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFred Manshaw Ltd. has an interesting history. The company was founded by Manfred Durst, one of the children rescued from Nazi persecution through Britain's Kindertransport programme. After the war, he went on to establish a successful jewellery manufacturing business in Hatton Garden, London operating from 1946 until 1986. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an iconic British jewellery design, combining the substantial curb-link bracelet with the timeless heart padlock. Although made in 1974, it carries forward a style with deep roots in Victorian and early 20th-century jewellery, giving it an appealing sense of continuity and romance. It is the sort of bracelet that can be worn and enjoyed for decades and, quite simply, never really goes out of style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDETAILS~\u003cbr\u003e\nMETAL: Sterling silver\u003cbr\u003e\nDATE: 1974\u003cbr\u003e\nMEASUREMENTS: 19cm (7½ inches) long; approximately 1.5cm (½ inch) wide\u003cbr\u003e\nCURB LINKS: Approximately 13 x 9mm; 2.5mm thick\u003cbr\u003e\nPADLOCK: Approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) tall x 1.5cm (⅝ inch) wide\u003cbr\u003e\nWEIGHT: 37.4 grams\u003cbr\u003e\nHALLMARKS: Lion passant for sterling silver, leopard's head for London, date letter 't' for 1974 and the stylised heart-shaped 'FM' maker's mark for Fred Manshaw. Further London assay and date marks to the end ring, with lion passant marks also present on several curb links.\u003cbr\u003e\nCONDITION: Excellent vintage condition with only minor surface wear consistent with age and previous use. The heart padlock clasp is in perfect working order and closes securely with a satisfying snap. Please note the antique jewellery box shown is used for display only and is not included\u003cbr\u003e\n______\u003cbr\u003e\nAt Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished, ensuring they are ready to wear and enjoy, or present as a thoughtful gift.\u003cbr\u003e\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION\u003cbr\u003e\n* Free Worldwide Shipping\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are pleased to offer complimentary worldwide shipping on all purchases. For our US and EU customers, all applicable tariffs and import charges are included in the purchase price, so no additional duties or fees will be payable on delivery.\u003cbr\u003e\n* Returns Policy\u003cbr\u003e\nIf for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your item for a refund. Please contact us within 3 days of receiving your order and return the item within 7 days.\u003cbr\u003e\n* Gemstone Testing \u0026amp; Measurements\u003cbr\u003e\nAll gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. Please note that all measurements and stated carat weights are approximate.\u003cbr\u003e\n* Photography \u0026amp; Scale\u003cbr\u003e\nOur photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show every fine detail. As a result, minor imperfections may appear more pronounced in images than they do to the naked eye. Close-up photography can also make pieces appear larger on screen, so we recommend referring carefully to the written description for precise dimensions.\u003cbr\u003e\n* Gifting\u003cbr\u003e\nPurchasing as a gift? Your jewellery will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note that unless otherwise stated, any antique boxes shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercy Madge","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56394778640763,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3256\/8203\/files\/il_fullxfull.8425412936_2ixe.jpg?v=1787836562","url":"https:\/\/mercymadge.com\/products\/vintage-1970s-chunky-sterling-silver-23773","provider":"Mercy Madge ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}