Antique Victorian 14K Fancy Link Long Lady's Watch Chain Black Enamel Seed Pearl Slide 62 Inches Long Women's Jewelry Lorgnette Muff Guard

The most substantial and intricate mid-Victorian 14K solid gold long watch or lorgnette chain we have seen in year, this beautiful piece dates from the period of 1860-1880. Chains like this were worn by women of the mid-19th century to hold a watch, lorgnettes, fur muffs, lockets, or other pendants. If used with a watch, the very long chain would have been worn wrapped around a belt or tucked into a waistband, with the watch dangling.

The fancy oval links of this chain alternate with plain round links, creating a unique look for this necklace. The large slide is decorated with hand engraving and taille d'epargne black enameling, and set with four little natural seed pearls. There are two prongs that may have once held larger pearls.

The chain is an astonishing 62" long and is approximately 5.2 mm in width. The slide measures approximately 27 mm in length, 20 mm in width and is 9.7 mm at the thickest part.

The 14K Chain weighs 44.8 grams.

The swivel has a very old 14 hallmark on the interior and it functions perfectly. The chain and slide are unmarked otherwise, but both have tested as 14K.

This chain is in Excellent Antique Condition, with no damage noted, while the slide is in Very Good Antique Condition. The slide is possibly missing two pearls from prongs that are now empty, the applied element on the top of the slide is a bit loose, and there is no cork remaining in the slide to keep it fixed in position on the chain.

Arrives gift boxed!