Victorian Continental Silver Enamel Souvenir Locket on Chain c.1870s

Description

An absolutely charming original antique Victorian souvenir locket and chain. Formed in continental silver, with a warm vermeil wash to imitate gold, the locket is beautifully enamelled in striking red and blue enamel in gothic lettering with ‘Souvenir’ and scrolling fern detail to imitate hand engraving.

The inside has both original frame rings; one side bearing a delightful original tinted colour photo of a young girl in a taffeta dress – she almost looks like she could be the original Wednesday Adams! The other has a sheer piece of silk pasted into it, likely as a backdrop to a lock of hair (since long gone). All on it’s original slinky snake chain necklace.

This would have been a Grand Tour souvenir; likely from Northern Europe, for a lady to have as a keepsake of her travels and have her loved ones close to her heart.

A fabulous addition to any collection of antique souvenir jewellery and very wearable as a statement piece today!

ERA: Victorian c.1870s

ORIGIN: Likely northern Europe

MATERIAL: Continental Silver (Stamped 585 on locket loop and original chain clasp). Enamel decoration. Original antique water-colour tinted photo.

SIZE: Locket is 35 x 28mm and the bale fits a nice sized chain or ribbon. Snake chain is 19″ long.

CONDITION: Lovely antique condition – enamel is perfect, light vermeil wash is warm yellow colour to imitate gold, stamped detail to the front is nice and crisp. The locket doesn’t make a loud ‘click’ shut noise, but does close nice and firmly – it’s doesn’t ‘flap’ open at all. No dents to the locket. Original snake chain has some very minor kinks/dents but nothing significant for it’s age. The original barrel clasp was damaged when I bought this piece, so I have replaced it with a clasp sympathetic to the style of the period. Original clasp is enclosed with sale so you can see the chain was also marked ‘585’.

See photos – more and video available on request.

SHIPPING: Free inside the U.K and to the U.S. – American buyers please note that you’re responsible for any customs / import charges applied at the U.S. border.

TAGS: Victorian Continental Silver Enamel Souvenir Locket on Chain c.1870s