A grand and exceptionally well-preserved mid-Victorian book chain and locket set in 15ct yellow gold, retaining its original fitted retailer’s case from Thos. Ressr & Son, 107 Buchanan Street, Glasgow — one of the city’s most respected Victorian jewellers. Complete, cased sets of this scale and quality are genuinely rare survivors; the fact that chain, locket, and case have remained together for over 150 years speaks both to the quality of the original piece and the care with which it has been kept.
The book chain is of the bold, collar-width variety favoured in the 1870s and 1880s, each rectangular link detailed with decorative motifs and articulated to move with fluid ease. The chain measures 18 inches in length and 14mm in width, with an additional 1.5-inch extender drop to the locket. The large oval locket — 35mm wide by 55mm — is hand-engraved across its entire face with dense foliate decoration framed by a fine border, and suspends from an ornate triple-link connector that bridges chain and locket with characteristic Victorian decorative ambition. The locket opens on a hinge to accommodate portraits or keepsakes. Total weight of chain and locket combined is 63.7 grams.
Details
• Metal: 15ct yellow gold
• Era: Victorian, c.1870s–1880s
• Chain length: 18” (approx. 46cm)
• Chain width: 14mm
• Locket drop extender: 1.5”
• Locket dimensions: 35mm x 55mm
• Total weight: 63.7g
• Retailer’s case: Thos. Ressr & Son, 107 Buchanan Street, Glasgow (original)
• Condition: Exceptional For Age
