Victorian Snake-Link Guard Chain
Cool antique snake-link guard chain dating from the mid Victorian period, circa 1860. It's 54 inches long, crafted in pinchbeck with a faceted dog tag clasp and maker's mark TWB.
Pinchbeck is a form of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc (89% copper to 11% zinc), formulated to mimic the appearance of gold. Invented in the early 18th century by Christopher Pinchbeck, becoming popularly used in jewellery worn whilst travelling on dangerous stagecoaches, but allowed people who may not have otherwise afforded larger 18ct gold pieces to keep up with the ever-changing styles. Pinchbeck was made by Christopher and his descendants until around the 1830s (allegedly always marketed honestly, for what it was...) before eventually falling out of fashion when 9ct was legalised in 1854.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Length: 54 inches
Width of links: 3mm
Marks: T.W.B. Makers Mark, tests as pinchbeck (base metal)
Condition: Great antique condition
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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