This antique fob/Albert chain is by far the rarest one that we have ever had, and is certainly of museum quality. These Albert chains were originally used for gentleman to connect a pocket watch and wear through the waistcoat, when men started wearing wrist watches leaving these behind, women started to wear these around the neck.
This particular one is so rare and special for so many reasons. Firstly, it is an early Australian one that was made by Wheeler and Bennett around 1890. This company was established in 1886 until 1907 and early Australian jewellery in recent years has increased in both price and desirability and is now heavily sought after.
Secondly, this was made in 15ct gold which was used up until the United Kingdom changed their standard in 1932 making this alone quite special.
Furthermore, each link is stamped "15ct" and this Albert chain has been kept all original with no alterations or additions. It is quite common to find these in only half the length whereas this one measures a full 41cm.
Then there is the design of the chain itself which is just spectacular. The links are just fantastic and have an incredible feel to them as you hold it on your hand. These links lead down to that fabulous tee bar at the end which is quite simply the best that you will ever see. The detail in this alone is just incredible and never to be seen again.
From the early Australian history of this piece, the 15ct gold, the design of the links and the tee bar, this is without a doubt a true collectors piece and once gone, will never be seen again.
Stock# ES3928
Maker: Wheeler and Bennett
Circa: 1890
$Sold
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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 a t 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 and now years later woman wear these around their neck where they are quite often seen today.
