Antique French Silver Albertina Multi-Strand Watch Chain with Hand-Painted Enamel Slide (c. 1890-1910)

Stunning antique French silver albertina chain. It features a beautiful hand painted enamel and silver slider, 5 stands of foxtail chain, fancy ends, a strong albert clip, extension link chain and a large bolt clasp. A gorgeous chain to add to an antique jewellery collection.

I bought this beautiful piece from an antiques fair in Italy.

The bolt clasp is fully stamped with the historical French patent mark BTES.G.D.G (Breveté Sans Garantie du Gouvernement) on the inner neck of the spring ring, indicating a legally patented French mechanism from the era. The chain also has the French marks for 800 silver on one of the rings.

The focal point of this chain is an exquisite, ornate silver slide featuring a hand-painted, sky-blue/turquoise enamel plaque adorned with delicate pink roses and soft green foliage. The slide gracefully unites multiple strands of tightly woven silver foxtail chains, held perfectly in place by decorative spacer bars.

An albertina chain is a decorative chain worn by women in the mid 19th century through to the early 20th century as watch chains. They usually featured a mix of chain styles, fancy sliders and beads and were often seen as a jewellery item.

The total length of the chain is 35cm so it can be added to another chain to create a unique necklace. I have an albertina which I wear in this way with a variety of different chains.

This unique piece of jewellery may have signs of wear due to its history. It is beautifully imperfect and should be treated with love and care. This watch chain necklace is in great antique condition. It has been lightly cleaned and retains some of its original patina.

All Vonk Jewellery is presented in a gift box and pouch with luxe ribbon. If you would like a gift message included please message me at checkout.