Antique 1888 Victorian Sterling Silver Floral Engraved Shield Locket Fob Pendant

A beautiful little piece of Victorian sentimentality, dating to 1888, this antique sterling silver locket has survived for well over 130 years and retains all the character and charm that makes genuine Victorian jewellery so appealing.

 

Fashioned in an unusual shield-shaped form, the locket features a wonderfully decorative front with a raised central shield cartouche, framed by delicately engraved floral and foliate motifs. The outer edge has been worked with a striking repeating faceted or notched pattern, catching the light beautifully and giving the piece an almost jewel-like finish.

 

The central shield remains unmonogrammed, offering a lovely opportunity for its next custodian to personalise the piece if desired — or simply leave it untouched as part of its history.

 

The locket opens from the side to reveal two recessed compartments, originally intended to hold treasured photographs, miniature portraits or other tiny sentimental keepsakes.

 

In the Victorian era, lockets were deeply personal jewels, worn close to the heart and often containing the image or memento of someone dearly loved. More than simple adornment, they were little private repositories of memory and affection.

 

The reverse carries a lovely set of English sterling silver hallmarks, including a date letter corresponding to 1888, giving this piece a tangible connection to the late Victorian period.

 

Its naturally aged surface and darker detailing are particularly attractive. Rather than appearing overly polished, the silver retains a beautiful antique patina, allowing the hand-worked engraving and textured border to stand out with wonderful definition.

 

Light surface marks and signs of age remain, entirely appropriate for a locket of this considerable age and adding to its authentic antique character.

 

Despite its petite proportions, the shield silhouette gives the locket a wonderfully distinctive presence. It would look beautiful worn alone on a fine silver chain, suspended from an antique Albert chain, or layered amongst other treasured charms and pendants.

 

A genuine Victorian keepsake with more than 135 years of history — romantic, beautifully detailed and wonderfully wearable today.

A gorgeous addition to an antique jewellery collection and an especially lovely choice for anyone drawn to Victorian sentimental jewellery, shield motifs, antique lockets and pieces with an unmistakable old-world character.

 

DETAILS

 

•  Full English Birmingham hallmarks are present, complete with a date stamp for the year 1888, making this piece 138+ years of age.  A worn and illegible makers mark is also present. 
•  Measures approx 30mm X 22mm, not including the jump ring.
•  Weighs 6.90 grams.

CONDITION

 

Very good antique preloved condition, with some signs of wear, commensurate with age and use.  Some fine marks, scratches and aged patina is present. The engraved detail to the front of the locker is very nicely preserved. Hallmarks are crisp and clear.  Makers mark or worn and illegible.  The shield cartouche remains blank, perfect for engraving if desired.  No notable dents or damage is present. 

 

Please note

 

We usually leave our vintage, antique and preloved jewellery unpolished to suit buyer preference, however we are more than happy to polish any items upon request. For pieces consisting of delicate materials or components such as enamel, opal or pearls, we will polish gently only with a soft cloth to ensure preservation and originality of the piece.  Please leave a note at checkout, or contact us prior to purchase to request your items to be polished before being sent to you.