THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Necklace / Chain
Materials: 18k Gold
Size: 15 3/4 Inches
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
ABOUT:
Awesome French antique 18k solid gold figural necklace with an ornate fist holding a swiveling bracket that leads down to a large 3D swirling shield designed charm / pendant. Note this one is in a shorter length with shimmering, flat, book chain like links. Makes an excellent antique addition to your neckmess or neckstack.
I love this one because the fist is a larger size than we often see with nice detail including the swirled cuff. This piece has been altered in a great way - I assume it was originally a long guard chain / watch chain which is typically how we see these. At some point, someone shortened it to be worn like a 15 3/4 inch collar necklace, and welded a clasp to the back. Studying the large 3D pendant, you can see it is an exact match to the cuff. I think this was originally a slide on the watch chain, that they removed when the chain was altered, and they welded the openings closed to make it a complete dangling pendant.
It is really striking to wear, I actually love the shorter length and the way they assembled the antique component.
I have a fist chain and wear it often as one of my favs in my collection. The chain has liquid movement and a wonderful shimmer, shine and buttery patina that just glows.
It has the French 18k eagle and boar hallmark on the clasp. It is also stamped for 18k on the bracket of the fist. Antique boxes / items in displays in photos are not included. Two of the chain links are also hallmarked for 18k with the French symbol.
MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs 9.11 grams. Stretched end to end it's about 15.75 inches. The pendant is 23x19x6.5mm. The chain is 2.7mm wide. The fist is 20mm not including the bracket, from hand to cuff.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are in estate condition. There is a darker colored weld at the top of the pendant connecting the loop. If you study it you can also see the slight unevenness to the bottom where the opening of the slide was closed off. That and the chain have a rippled appearance here and there. You can see the ripples to the chain while wearing. You can also see the welds at the back where the spring ring was attached after the chain was shortened. Scarce and interesting piece in the solid gold version.
My disclaimer with all my antique pieces - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.
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