Essex Jewelry and Antiques
American Victorian Hair Memorial 10k Gold Watch Chain
Regular price
$259.20
Presented is a remarkable American Victorian hair memorial watch chain. The watch chain is composed of an intricately woven plait of brown hair. There is a piece of 10K gold at the center of the chain, and the ends of the chain are capped in 10K gold. One end of the chain is fitted with a gold filled T bar and spring ring clasp, while the other end is fitted with a gold filled swivel clasp. The three pieces that directly attach to the hair are 10 karat gold, all of the other metal mounts are gold filled/goldplated. This piece was made in America around the mid 1800s, most likely between the 1840s and the 1870s.
The watch chain is not marked. We have tested the chain with nitric acid and guarantee the center piece and the two end caps to be solid 10K gold. The T bar and its connecting links, the spring ring, and the swivel clasp are gold filled, not solid gold.
The condition is excellent. The hair is very tightly woven. There are a few loose hairs here and there, but this is quite minor. There are no dents, no splits, no breaks, and no repairs.
The watch chain is 12 1/2 inches long.