REDUCED Victorian or earlier plaited human hair watch fob "chain" with serpent / griffon watch clip - USA & CANADA POSTAGE INCLUDED!

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Hair Jewelry

 

Here is a fabulous Victorian era (or earlier, possibly Civil War era) watch fob made from human hair. It is an absolute work of art. Total length including the clips at each end is nearly 20 inches. My sister and I found this watchfob in with family jewelry when we cleared things out of our parents’ home.

This came down through our great aunt, and we believe it probably belonged to her father (1840-1906) or perhaps her grandfather (1809-1885). We do not know who made it, or where it came from because there was no information with it.

The hair braid is 1/4 inch thick and must have been made by someone very skilled in this art - the plaiting is totally uniform throughout, and there are THREE different styles – PLEASE SEE THE CLOSEUP PHOTOS! There is a standard lanyard braid at each end and again in the center, which changes to a spiral (I don’t know the name of this technique) and then the spiral changes to a flat-surface plait (again, sorry, I don’t know braiding names).

There are, of course, a few hair ends all along the piece because human hair is so fine, but there is NO damage, NO fraying, NO loose hairs.

In the center is a six-sided silver piece with a loop on it for a fob or pendant. At each end is a round metal clamp with a loop (we understand these are called findings), this metal is golden with a stamped or incised design on it. We believe it is real gold or gold plated but have not had it tested, it may possibly be brass but it is a beautiful golden yellow as opposed to reddish, and there is no sign of discoloration.

Absolutely best of all, the hook loop intended to hold the watch is a silver snake or serpent (or possibly a griffon because it appears to have a beak and large scales) - this little creature is absolutely fabulous! This creature is indeed real silver, with a fabulous patina.

It is our understanding that human hair jewelry is difficult to find in any condition, let alone nearly perfect, as this is.

A terrific addition to any collection of antique mourning jewelry, watches, watch fobs, men’s personal items -- or for any collector of unique 1800s items!

Item ID: JR-2007-37