Victorian Sterling Silver Albert Chain, Birmingham 1891, Fetter Link, 43.2g
A Victorian sterling silver Albert chain, hallmarked to Birmingham in 1891, with a 9 carat gold dog clip fitted at one end.
Specifications
- Metal: Sterling silver, with one 9 carat gold dog clip
- Maker: JH&S
- Assay Office: Birmingham, England
- Era: Late Victorian, 1891
- Length: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
- Link width: 7.9 mm
- Link thickness: 2.2 mm
- Weight: 43.2 grams
- Clasps: Silver dog clip at one end, 9 carat gold dog clip at the other
Hallmarks
- Lion passant, the British mark for sterling silver, on each link
- Anchor for the Birmingham Assay Office
- Date letter r for 1891
- JH&S maker's mark
- 9 and .375 with a faded maker's mark on the gold dog clip
Each link is individually hallmarked, so the silver and the 1891 date can be read along the whole chain.
About the Piece
Long fetter links alternate with short round cable links, the standard Albert arrangement built to carry a pocket watch. The proportions here are generous, with links nearly 8 mm across.
Sterling Albert chains were the everyday version of the gold ones and were made in far greater numbers, but they were also worn harder. Finding one at 43 grams with every link still marked and no weak joints is less common than the plain numbers suggest.
The two ends do not match, and that is deliberate. One dog clip is the original silver one carrying the JH&S mark. The other is 9 carat gold, hallmarked 9 and .375, and was fitted later to bring a bit of warmth into the piece.
Styling
At 16.5 inches it sits just below the collarbone. The mixed metal ends mean it already reads as a piece that has been lived with rather than kept in a drawer, and it layers easily with gold since the gold clip does the bridging for you.
Authentication & Metal Verification
This piece has been tested using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) analysis to confirm gold purity and authenticity. Both the silver chain and the 9 carat gold dog clip have been tested. In addition to the British hallmarks on every link, we have verified the composition of each part. We will provide the purchaser with a copy of the XRF report for their records. This is an extra level of transparency rarely available with antique jewelry.
Condition
Very good antique condition. Hallmarks are readable throughout, some a little faded. Every link is hallmarked. Links are in good condition with no weak joints.
Please note: One of the two dog clips is not original to the chain. The 9 carat gold dog clip was added later to make the piece more wearable with gold. It is hallmarked 9 and .375 and has been XRF tested. The silver dog clip at the other end is original and carries the JH&S mark.
All estate, vintage and antique jewelry is sold AS IS, with no repairs or enhancements.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
This listing is for one necklace only.
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