Many people now wear an Albert chain or fob watch chain as they are also known as around the neck, however the Albert chain was originally designed to hold a pocket watch to a gents waistcoat. However when men put down their pocket watches in place of the “new†wrist watches at the turn of the 20th century, after a while women started to wear these around their neck, where they are more commonly worn today. And here is a truly exceptional antique Albert chain that is up there with the very best of them.
To begin with, it was made in 15 carat gold in the late 1800's, when many were made in 9 carat gold. England and Australia used 15 carat for a relatively short time, and the colour of 15 carat gold quite often sits between a warm rose with a hint of yellow to it, giving it an amazing warm glow. The colour of this Albert is so beautiful and looks even more amazing when around the neck.
Then there is the length and design of the links. It is quite common to find original antique ones too short to fit comfortably around the neck, whereas this one measures an impressive 45.3cm and is all original on both sides without any additional links being added, making this the perfect length to comfortably sit around the neck. The design of the links are so beautiful, making this one Albert chain that will always be admired every time that it is worn.
And finally this has one more exciting feature - a very rare and special Australian hallmark on the tee bar. Stamped with the early Australian system of a 15 and the hung sheep to denote 15 carat gold, it is also stamped with the letter "S" and a very rare swan. Very likely to be made by a jeweller from Perth, Western Australia, this really is a wonderful feature to complete this as a remarkable antique Albert chain.
Combine all of this with such an incredible design, length and colour of gold, then you truly have an exceptional, unique and exciting piece of antique Australian jewellery to wear around your neck.
Stock# ES9810
Circa: 1890
$Sold.
Out of stock
Rare antique early Australian Albert chain made in 15 carat gold
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.
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.
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