Fully Hallmarked Silver Albert Chain c. 1886

In an attempt to not overstate the obvious, a pocket watch is a timepiece meant to be carried in the pocket rather than worn on the wrist. It predates the wristwatch by about 4 centuries with the first invented in Germany in the early 1500s. The watch chain serves a practical function of enabling the timepiece to be removed from the pocket and remain secured while in use. Named in the honor and memory of HRH Queen Victoria’s beloved, the Albert Chain is long watch or fob chain which was anchored at the center to one of the buttonholes of the vest or waistcoat and draped to one or both pockets on each side of the morning frock.

This very English silver Albert Chain is comprised of thick links of curb chain fitted with a T-bar on one end that fits through the button hole at the waist and a swivel fastener on the other end to which the watch or fob was attached and then placed in the pocket.

Measuring 14 inches in total length (35.6 cm) with a width that ranges from ½ of and inch to 3/8 of an inch at the widest (1.0 cm to 1.2 cm). Weighs a substantial 46 grams. Every link has been hallmarked with the lion passant; one link marked with Chester hallmark and the letter “C” for the year of 1886.

In very good condition with light wear overall as expected with age and use. The ends that connect with the spring clip and T-bar have been resoldered appropriately. The T-bar has been marked “E” or “F” and “P” or “D” and the year mark “y” which may indicate a possible marriage. Dates to 1886 and is English in origin.