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- Antique Victorian Figural Eagle Head Gold Watch Chain -- Unusual Link
Antique Victorian Figural Eagle Head Gold Watch Chain -- Unusual Link
Antique Victorian Figural Eagle Head Gold Watch Chain -- Unusual Link
Majestic, Strong.
What a find! Our pulse definitely quickened when we saw this exceptional Victorian figural watch chain.
The link itself is superb: a supple, flexible orb link crafted in rich gold, each rounded link catching the light to create beautiful texture and movement. The chain feels wonderfully weighty and dense in hand, and so smooth when worn.
The crowning glory? Two decorative terminals — one a majestic eagle’s head, the other a complementary ornamental form. The eagle is sculptural and finely detailed, from its curved beak to textured feathers to its deep red garnet eyes. The Victorians adored figural jewels, and the eagle — symbolic of strength, vision, and protection — was a particularly powerful motif. A watch chain like this was more than a functional item; it was a personal statement and talisman.
This rare and meaningful chain can be worn as a choker, extended with another chain or clasp, or doubled as a bracelet. Add a favorite treasure to the dog clip. As striking today as it was more than a century ago, it’s a timeless piece with coveted novelty links and figural details.
Unmarked (watch chain); 14k (dog clip)
18k gold, 14k (dog clip), garnet
Dimensions and weight:
● 13.75 inches/34.9 cm long (including dog clip)
● 20 mm long x 5.3 mm wide x 7.2 mm deep (eagle head); chain tapers slightly from 4.8 mm at widest point (in the middle) to 3.1 mm at the ends.
● 32 grams
Period: Victorian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. The dog clip is an antique replacement. The loops on the terminals may be gold cased, and the rest of the terminals could be as well. Gold-cased construction— solid gold over a metal underlayer — was a common technique to add strength and durability to components that experienced heavy wear, such as these loops, which would have supported watches and fobs. This is period-consistent and does not detract from the fine quality of this watch chain.
Majestic, Strong.
What a find! Our pulse definitely quickened when we saw this exceptional Victorian figural watch chain.
The link itself is superb: a supple, flexible orb link crafted in rich gold, each rounded link catching the light to create beautiful texture and movement. The chain feels wonderfully weighty and dense in hand, and so smooth when worn.
The crowning glory? Two decorative terminals — one a majestic eagle’s head, the other a complementary ornamental form. The eagle is sculptural and finely detailed, from its curved beak to textured feathers to its deep red garnet eyes. The Victorians adored figural jewels, and the eagle — symbolic of strength, vision, and protection — was a particularly powerful motif. A watch chain like this was more than a functional item; it was a personal statement and talisman.
This rare and meaningful chain can be worn as a choker, extended with another chain or clasp, or doubled as a bracelet. Add a favorite treasure to the dog clip. As striking today as it was more than a century ago, it’s a timeless piece with coveted novelty links and figural details.
Unmarked (watch chain); 14k (dog clip)
18k gold, 14k (dog clip), garnet
Dimensions and weight:
● 13.75 inches/34.9 cm long (including dog clip)
● 20 mm long x 5.3 mm wide x 7.2 mm deep (eagle head); chain tapers slightly from 4.8 mm at widest point (in the middle) to 3.1 mm at the ends.
● 32 grams
Period: Victorian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present. The dog clip is an antique replacement. The loops on the terminals may be gold cased, and the rest of the terminals could be as well. Gold-cased construction— solid gold over a metal underlayer — was a common technique to add strength and durability to components that experienced heavy wear, such as these loops, which would have supported watches and fobs. This is period-consistent and does not detract from the fine quality of this watch chain.
