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Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: Pre 1900: Item # 1440587

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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Unusual lightweight original watch chain of made of gunmetal, a material used to make decorative chains, purses, brooches, buckles and other items during the Victorian era. Gunmetal is an alloy of copper and tin. Our chain has a lovely complex knot link that is shown closeup in the images. It is hard to imagine the time it took to construct such a chain by hand, and a similar link could not be made today. Gunmetal watch chains were both decorative and functional. People would hang their keys or watch fob. Our gunmetal chain even has a its original gunmetal swivel clasp from which one can hang a complimentary pendant. The gunmetal swivel clasp fastens securely and is in good working condition. The swivel clasp itself attaches to a gunmetal ring. All parts of the chain are original to the chain (and it is a good thing, because gunmetal swivel clasps and rings are extremely difficult to find). The chain is also its original watch chain length; it has never been cut down into smaller chains. That is rare to find, indeed. This chain requires no maintenance or special care. We do recommend that you keep it away from water and damp environments. At 54" long, this chain can be doubled or tripled. It looks nice against contrasting white, against pastels, stronger colors, or black on black, as shown. The chestnut horse case compass pendant shown attached to the chain is available on First Dibs. The gunmetal alloy is no longer produced today so any piece of jewelry made from gunmetal is absolutely certain and guaranteed to be "of the (Victorian) period".