Here is a very elegant and stylish antique sterling silver fancy fetter link Albert chain made in 1909 that would be perfect to hold a pocket watch or around the neck of a lady.
These Albert chains or fob watch chains as they are also know as, were originally designed for a gentleman to hold a pocket watch at one end and the key or a fob at the other end, with the tee bar connected to the waistcoat. Years later when men stopped using pocket watches and started to wear wrist watches, women years later started to wear these around their neck where they are often seen today.
Quite often Albert chains are seen as half Alberts that only have one half of the chain, or they are double but simply too short to wear around the neck, but this one measures 44.7cm length allowing it to sit perfectly around the neck.
Made in sterling silver with each link hallmarked, it is made in a fancy fetter link design with a rope twist between each link. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful links to find and no matter how it is worn, it will no doubt always be admired for its beauty.
This lovely antique Albert chain from the Edwardian era is just so beautiful and in all original condition that looks as beautiful today as when it was made over 100 years ago.
Stock# ES7659
Hallmarked: Chester 1909
$Sold.
Out of stock
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 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 and some from the Art Deco era of the 1920’s to the 1940’s being 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. Many Albert chains on the market today are either half or three quarter in length with full double Alberts harder to find.
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 and now years later woman wear these around their neck where they are quite often seen today.
Click here to see more antique necklaces and antique Albert chains currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/necklace-antique/
