Description

Antique Victorian Blue Enamel ANCHOR Mourning Locket Hair c.1840 As-Is 3.22g
Item Description:
Up for sale is a truly remarkable, authentic Victorian sentimental / mourning locket, dating back to the 1840–1880 period. This piece is a beautiful artifact representing the complex "secret language" of 19th-century Victorian society, offered in its genuine antique condition for professional restoration.
Symbolism & Historical Context:
To the Victorians, jewelry was a deeply personal medium used to communicate emotion, grief, and devotion:
• The Cobalt Blue Enamel Anchor: In Victorian iconography, the anchor was the ultimate symbol of Hope, Stability, Steadfastness, and Faith, signifying a bond that remained firmly anchored despite loss, distance, or time.
• Royal Blue Enamel: Highly favored during the Victorian "half-mourning" period, royal/cobalt blue represented the heavens, loyalty, and eternal remembrance, transitioning away from the solid black materials of deep mourning.
• Intricate Guilloché & Engine-Turning: The locket showcases exceptional craftsmanship with a masterfully executed engine-turned pattern on both sides beneath the enamel, creating a spectacular depth when catching the light.
• Preserved Hairwork: Inside the locket, protected by its original glass bezel, rests an intricately braided lock of hair. Hair was considered the ultimate token of devotion as it does not decay, keeping a physical piece of a loved one close forever.
Technical Specifications & Condition:
• Diameter (excluding bale): 17.65 mm (Approx. 0.69 inches - dainty, elegant, and rare size)
• Total Weight: 3.22 grams
• Material: Unhallmarked (very common for custom or regional pieces of this era). Made of low-carat gold or silver (gold-washed/gilded).
• Mechanical Condition: Damaged antique condition, sold as-is for restoration. The hinge is broken and requires soldering (ideally laser repair to preserve the surrounding enamel). Aside from the hinge, the enamel work, engine-turned engraving, and the interior hair work behind glass are beautifully intact.
• Magnetic Test: The main body of the locket is completely non-magnetic. The only magnetic part is the hinge mechanism itself (internal pin).
• Enamel Condition: Excellent, vibrant cobalt blue with magnificent luster and light, age-appropriate wear as shown in the photos.