A substantial and beautifully made antique sterling silver Albert chain, featuring a classic T-bar and an engraved vesta case drop. The fancy link chain is stamped with the Lion Passant on alternating hoops and fastens with a secure dog clip clasp.
The vesta case is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1913 and bears the maker’s mark WHH. This is believed to be William Hair Haseler, a noted Birmingham silversmith active during the Edwardian period, though this attribution has not been independently verified. The hallmark includes the Anchor for Birmingham, the Lion Passant for sterling silver, and a serifed uppercase ‘O’, which confirms the year as 1913.
Both the T-bar and dog clip are marked J·S with a six-pointed star. This mark is believed to belong to Joseph Smith & Sons of Birmingham, a known maker of silver watch chains and fittings during the early 1900s. While this attribution is likely, it has not been independently confirmed. The chain links themselves are stamped with the Lion Passant, but no maker’s mark is visible, which is typical for hand-assembled Albert chains from this era.
Please note the stopper on the top of the vesta case is missing. See photos for full condition details.
A wearable and collectable piece with excellent antique character and a clear Edwardian hallmark.
Details:
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Antique sterling silver Albert chain with vesta case and T-bar
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Vesta case hallmarked for Birmingham 1913 with maker’s mark WHH. Believed to be William Hair Haseler, though not independently verified
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T-bar and dog clip stamped J·S with a six-pointed star. Believed to be Joseph Smith & Sons, though not independently verified
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Chain links stamped with the Lion Passant. No visible maker’s mark on the chain itself
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Scroll engraved vesta case
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Dog clip fastening
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Necklace length approx. 15 inches
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Chain link size approx. 7.7mm x 1.5mm
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Vesta case approx. 38.2mm x 31.2mm x 9.8mm
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T-bar length approx. 36.6mm
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Total weight approx. 51.6g
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Antique sterling silver Albert chain made in the Edwardian era (1901 to 1910), date letter for 1913
A preloved chain & locket, please view all photos for potential signs of wear.
Please Note, All of my items are labelled, please do not remove the label unless you are keeping the item.