Antique Victorian Guard or Muff Chain - Long 46" Necklace w/ Center Clasp - Pinchbeck Chain w/ 10K Gold Filled Clasp - Vintage Jewelry
A quite long antique Victorian guard or guard or muff chain that has a Albert dog clasp on the end. This chain is 46 inches in length, and long enough to wrap around your neck twice. (The photos show three times but the bust form is smaller than an actual person.)
The links themselves on this vintage chain are are a very fine gauge oval shaped link - they are very lightweight. I believe this is a Pinchbeck chain (see NOTE below). The dainty and fine chain links are nonmagnetic but do not test as gold. The Albert dog clasp at the center of this chain is 10K rose gold filled and is hallmarked SUPERIOR.
The chain links meet in the center and are joined by their connection to the Albert dog clasp in the very center.
A Guard Chain was a long chain from which a key, watch or other object of use was hung. Guard chains could be up to 64 inches long. They were originally worn with the chain tucked into a woman’s belt, and the watch or object dangled from there. Muff chains were also long chains that were strung through a muff of fur that kept a woman’s hands warm in the cold. Both of these types of chains were popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
NOTE: Pinchbeck chains were invented in the 1700s by Christopher Pinchbeck, who developed an alloy of copper and zinc that gave the appearance and weight of 18K gold. Pinchbeck chains or jewelry made of this metal are rather rare and are sometimes referred to as "Pinch".
The Albert dog clasp/hook at the bottom where the two ends of this dainty link chain meet is 10K gold filled. It opens and closes securely.
This antique chain measures 46" long.
It weighs 4.6 grams.
The clasp is marked "SUPERIOR". (According to the Antique Jewelry University website, this hallmark was used by the Rex Mfg. Co, 14 N. Blount St. in Providence, RI for some its jewelry items.)
In nice antique condition with light patina. The clasp opens and closes securely.
Would look great when worn as is or with a pendant or locket attached.
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