Large Victorian Pinchbeck Engraved Memorial Locket

A lovely large round 19th century photograph locket chased all over with a scrolling foliate design typical of the period. The inside contains a lock of hair arranged in a palm-tree like design. 

Believed to be made of pinchbeck - a gold substitute, now collectible in its own right, originally made to a secret formula devised by Christopher Pinchbeck in the early 18th century. It is an alloy of copper and zinc, like brass, but uses much more copper and less zinc than brass. Although pinchbeck can tarnish over time it does not wear in the same way as other materials such as gold plating or rolled gold. You don’t often find pinchbeck items made after about 1840 - as nine-carat gold became legal, enabling people to buy less expensive gold jewellery, and electro-gilding was invented (a kind of gold plate), pinchbeck fell by the wayside.

SIZE: Approximately 3.9cm diameter, 5.3cm drop including the bail.

WEIGHT: 18.8g. 

MATERIALS: Yellow metal, possibly pinchbeck.

HALLMARKS/STAMPS:

CONDITION: In very good antique condition, with all clasps and hinges in good working order. There is a little wear to the golden surfaces of the bail.

ERA: Estimated Victorian (c.1837-1901).

Antique and vintage boxes photographed are for display only and are not included unless stated in the description.

Please be sure to examine all the photos carefully as they form part of the description, and do feel free to ask if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help where we can!