An incredibly rare 18K gold double-sided fob locket from Birmingham, most likely dating to the mid-to-late 1800s.
Fully hallmarked, with the anchor and crown confirming its origins in Birmingham, UK. The maker’s mark is there too, softened by well over a century of handling. Pieces like this were often carried daily for decades, which makes one surviving in this condition, with both stones intact and showing stunning natural patina, truly special.
Fobs like this were worn on a watch chain, a small personal talisman meant to be turned and touched throughout the day. This one holds two stones, a rich carnelian on one face and a deep agate on the other, each set into its own locket compartment rather than a single fixed stone. That’s the real rarity here… most antique fobs were made with one solid stone set straight into the gold. A true locket fob, one that opens on a hinge to reveal two separate stones, took far more work to craft and far fewer were made to begin with. Add to that fobs were usually 9K, so finding one in 18K, in this condition, is a true unicorn ✨
If you’re a lover of very old, antique, rare finds, then this is the piece for you…
In beautiful antique condition, with soft wear to the hallmarks consistent with its age and history of daily wear.
Dimensions: 13.5g. 23.5mm wide x 12mm thick. Bail 8.5mm (5mm interior)
Disclaimers:
Please expect normal wear to all items.
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