A charming antique English sterling silver horseshoe locket, fully hallmarked and dating to the very beginning of the 20th century.
Beautifully made in an unusual octagonal form, the front is decorated with a raised horseshoe motif, traditionally associated with good fortune and protection. The restrained geometric design gives the piece a particularly attractive late Victorian / early Edwardian character.
The locket opens to reveal two internal compartments, retaining their pale pink fabric inserts. These were intended to hold tiny photographs or personal keepsakes, turning what appears at first to be a simple silver fob into a wonderfully personal piece of period jewellery.
The reverse carries a clear set of British silver hallmarks, including the lion passant for sterling silver, Birmingham assay mark and date letter, together with the maker's AB mark.
Details:
Antique English locket / watch fob
Sterling silver
Fully British hallmarked
Birmingham
Circa 1901
Maker's mark: AB
Octagonal form
Raised horseshoe / good luck motif
Opens correctly
Two internal photograph/keepsake compartments
Original-style pale pink interior inserts
Approx. 25 mm across the body
Suspension ring for attaching to an Albert chain, necklace or bracelet
The horseshoe was one of the enduring good-luck symbols of Victorian jewellery, making this a particularly appealing piece for collectors of antique sentimental jewellery, silver lockets and Albert chain accessories.
The piece shows expected surface wear, patina and signs of age consistent with an antique item more than a century old. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.