{"product_id":"antique-18k-gold-albert-watch-chain-necklace-birmingham-1913-t-bar-dog-clasps","title":"Antique 18K Gold Albert Watch Chain Necklace Birmingham 1913 T-Bar Dog Clasps","description":"\u003cp\u003eDetails\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Antique Edwardian watch chain\u003cbr\u003e* Birmingham assay office\u003cbr\u003e* Date letter: O (1913)\u003cbr\u003e* Solid 18 karat gold\u003cbr\u003e* Weight: 60.5 grams of solid 18 karat gold\u003cbr\u003e* Chain length: 14.5 inches\u003cbr\u003e* Additional extension via T-bar: approximately 1.75 inches\u003cbr\u003e* Link width: 7.2 mm\u003cbr\u003e* Link thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003e* Two original dog clasps\u003cbr\u003e* Original swiveling T-bar\u003cbr\u003e* All original components\u003cbr\u003e* Hallmarked throughout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginally designed to secure a gentleman’s pocket watch, Albert watch chains have become highly sought-after today for both their historical significance and their versatility as necklaces. Their timeless proportions translate beautifully into modern wear while preserving the craftsmanship of the Edwardian period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis example features elegant elongated open curb links measuring approximately \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e7.2 mm wide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e2 mm thick\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, giving the chain substantial visual presence without feeling overly heavy. Richly colored solid 18 karat gold and weighing \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e60.5 grams\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, it possesses the weight and quality expected of fine English goldsmithing from the early twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne characteristic knowledgeable collectors always examine is the condition of the links where they connect to one another. After decades of daily use, many antique watch chains develop noticeable thinning at these contact points. This chain remains exceptionally well preserved, with strong, full link junctions that reflect careful ownership and contribute to its lasting structural integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEqually desirable is its originality. The chain retains both original dog clasps and its original swiveling T-bar, all bearing consistent Birmingham hallmarks. The T-bar rotates smoothly and may be used traditionally with a pocket watch or as an extension, increasing the wearable length by approximately \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1.75 inches\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. It may also be removed and used with other antique chains, making it an especially versatile component. Original solid 18 karat gold T-bars of this quality have become increasingly difficult to source individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHallmarks \u0026amp; Authentication\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEvery major component of the chain is hallmarked, including each link, both dog clasps, and the T-bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eThe hallmarks include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — 18 karat gold standard (75% gold)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCrown\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — Traditional British gold standard mark\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnchor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — Birmingham Assay Office\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDate Letter “O”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — Birmingham assay year 1913\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWL\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e — Maker’s mark\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe consistent hallmarks throughout the piece support that the chain and its original components were assayed together in Birmingham in 1913.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFor additional verification, the chain has also been professionally XRF tested. Representative testing confirmed approximately \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e18.01 karat gold (75.055% gold)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e with no gold plating detected. The accompanying certificate notes that all major components were tested and reviewed, with the reported values representing a typical result across the tested series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eExcellent antique condition with light wear consistent with careful ownership over more than a century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe links remain strong with well-preserved connection points, both original dog clasps function properly, and the original swiveling T-bar operates smoothly. No significant structural issues were observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFinding an Edwardian Albert watch chain is not uncommon. Finding one that remains \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003efully original\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, weighs over \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e60 grams of solid 18 karat gold\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, retains matching Birmingham hallmarks throughout, and exhibits such well-preserved construction is considerably rarer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhether acquired as a collector’s piece, worn as a distinctive gold necklace, or paired with a pocket watch, this chain represents the enduring craftsmanship and understated elegance of Edwardian English jewelry.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sterling Style Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47839825821922,"sku":"237","price":14569.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0720\/9435\/1586\/files\/SKU0237-0673.jpg?v=1780096745","url":"https:\/\/sterlingstyleshop.com\/products\/antique-18k-gold-albert-watch-chain-necklace-birmingham-1913-t-bar-dog-clasps","provider":"Sterling Style Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}