Sterling Silver Albert Fob Chain & Antique sterling silver medallion

A mixture of new and antique to create a statement necklace!
 
A sterling silver Albert chain I made with very chunky, heavy Italian sterling silver curb links, an albert clasp and a T-bar. worn as a necklace with the addition of an antique sterling silver medallion.
 
The detachable medallion is a large Victorian or Edwardian one (see below for its history). It is approximately, 65 mm long from top jump ring in the Albert clasp to the bottom of the medallion.  A real piece of history!
 
This medallion cleaned up beautifully so matches the contemporary chain which is hallmarked by London Assay Office with my maker’s mark PA.
 
The chain including the albert clasp is 18" (approximately 44/45 cm) and weighs in at a heavy approximate 74 g.
 
The medallion has had a flash of yellow gold plating on the centre shield which means it can be worn with either other gold or silver jewellery.  The medallion can be unclipped and another charm added to ring the changes.
 
This piece is very similar to the one I made for Astrid - scroll the images to see hers!
 
THE HISTORY
 
Albert chains were popularised and named after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort in the 19th Century and were traditionally worn by gentlemen to secure a pocket watch to the buttonhole of a waistcoat. 
 
Today, they are also worn as stylish antique and vintage necklaces; a custom that was started by the wives of soldiers during the first world war who wore the chains as a keepsake.
 
The history of this particular piece can be put together by its hallmarks.  
 
The hallmark notes the makers name (H.B), the lion passant is the official British "standard mark" indicating that an item is made of sterling silver, guaranteeing a purity of 92.5%confirmation and carries the Birmingham Assay Office Hallmark, the anchor.  The mark which denotes the year has been slightly distorted meaning it is not possible to name the exact year.  However the makers mark gives us the likely period of making.
 
The "H.B" makers mark on antique watch fobs and chains from the late Victorian and Edwardian era (circa 1890s–1910s) frequently refers to Herbert Bushell or his company, Herbert Bushell & Son Ltd. 
 
Herbert Bushell started in the 1890s in Birmingham, England, and was joined by his son in 1910.
They are well-known for producing high-quality silver watch fobs, medals, and chains.
Hallmark Variations:
 
HB & S: Mark used for Herbert Bushell and Sons Ltd, commonly found on Birmingham-hallmarked sterling silver fobs, such as those dated 1910.
H.B: Used during the earlier period (e.g., c. 1900).
 
This one is marked H.B so comes from the earlier period c 1900. 
 
The company remained active in producing these items until the start of the First World War.  It is certainly over 100 years old and therefore officially an antique!