Today the Albert chain, or fob watch chain as they are also known as, are commonly worn around the neck, however the Albert chain was originally designed to hold a pocket watch to a gents waistcoat, and was a popular item in the late Victorian and Edwardian times. However when men put down their pocket watches in place of the “new” wristwatch, if long enough, women started to wear these around the neck where they look so stylish such as this one here.
Made in sterling silver in 1908, this one measures a fill 40cm in length and is called a double Albert as the curb links come from each side of the tee bar in the centre.
It is also called a double graduated Albert, as the links themselves not only graduate to smoothly in size from 6mm wide to 9mm, but this happens twice on both sides, where at each end the smaller links lead to the centre and larger links, then back down again.
With each link hallmarked and the links themselves in wonderful condition, this antique Albert chain is perfect to be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Stock# EC192
Hallmarked: Birmingham 1908
$Sold
Out of stock
Antique silver Albert chain made in 1908
Antique silver Albert chain made in 1908 in a double graduated curb link design.
What is an Albert chain?
A brief history on Albert chains:
The Albert chain, or Prince Albert chain as it is also known by was designed in the 1800’s for Prince Albert. It was made to fit through a waist coat and hold a pocket watch on one end and the key to wind it on the other.
These were often made in sterling silver or gold as well as base metals such as rolled gold. During the Art Deco era of the 1920’s to the 1940’s, some were made in platinum or a combination of platinum and gold.
A double length one ie two chains leading to a tee bar is a double Albert and one where the tee bar is at one end and a swivel or bolt ring at the other is known as a half Albert.
However in the early 1900’s with the increase in popularity of wrist watches, the gentleman of the house put these chains down and started to wear the wrist watch. Now years later woman wear these around their neck where they are quite often seen today.
Click here to see more antique Albert chains, necklaces and pendants that are currently instore:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-pendant-antique/
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