Component · Albert watch chain

Silver Pocket Watch Albert Chain and Fob

Partially verified

This antique silver pocket watch Albert chain features graduated curb links fitted with a T-bar and a swivel clasp, accompanied by an ornamental shield-shaped fob medallion. According to the seller, the chain was manufactured by Birmingham maker Henry Allday & Sons, with each graduated link stamped with a lion silver mark and one bearing the maker's mark. The chain measures 34 cm in total length, and the accompanying fob measures 35 mm wide by 47 mm high including its integral suspension ring. Source records state the fob is hallmarked for 1914, and the total assembly weighs 79 grams.

Silver graduated curb-link Albert watch chain with T-bar, swivel clasp, and shield fob — The Vintage Wrist Watch Company / Sellingantiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category: Component · Albert watch chain
Maker / attribution: Henry Allday & Sons
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: SA1225523
Source-reported date: 1900 - 1920
Country: United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Visual Construction and Components

The assembly consists of a graduated curb-link silver chain accompanied by terminal fittings and a pendant fob. As observed, the chain features a straight cylindrical T-bar with a central molded collar positioned near a spring-loaded swivel clasp, arranged alongside the curb links.

Suspended with the chain is a decorative shield-shaped fob medallion. Visual examination shows it is detailed with ornate foliate scrollwork along its borders and retains an unengraved central cartouche.

Evidence for this section

“Graduated silver curb-link chain arranged in loops on a plain white surface.”
“Straight cylindrical T-bar with central molded collar attached alongside a spring swivel clasp.”
“Central shield-shaped fob medallion featuring decorative foliate scrollwork and an unengraved central cartouche.”

Maker Marks and Reported Hallmarks

According to the seller's documentation, the chain links are individually struck with silver purity markings, noting that "Each of the graduated links has the lion silver mark". Additionally, one of the links carries the stamp for Birmingham chain manufacturer Henry Allday & Sons.

The accompanying fob medallion is reported to be hallmarked for the year 1914. While the seller provides an overall date range of 1900 to 1920, the specific date letter stamp and assay office marks for both the chain itself and the fob cannot be independently read or verified from the available photograph.

Evidence for this section

“Each of the graduated links has the lion silver mark, and one has the maker’s mark for Henry Allday & Sons, the Birmingham chain manufacturer.”
“The fob is hallmarked for 1914.”
“Heavy Antique Silver Pocket Watch Chain and Fob 1900 - 1920”

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The dealer notes provide explicit measurements for the piece, stating that "The chain measures 34cm long including the T-bar and the clasp." The total mass of the combined assembly is reported at 79 grams.

The decorative fob is catalogued separately with dimensions of 35 mm in width and 47 mm in height, inclusive of its integral suspension ring.

Evidence for this section

“The chain measures 34cm long including the T-bar and the clasp.”
“large fob, 35mm wide, 47mm high including the integral ring.”
“Total weight 79g.”

Open research questions

What specific assay office marks and date letters are stamped on the chain's T-bar and swivel clasp to corroborate the 1900–1920 dating independently of the 1914 fob?
Are the hallmarks on the 1914 shield fob attributed to Henry Allday & Sons, or do they indicate an independent silversmith or fob maker?
Does the central cartouche of the fob show any evidence of prior erased engravings or buffing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Pocket Watch Albert Chain and Fob
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Henry Allday & Sons	“one has the maker’s mark for Henry Allday & Sons, the Birmingham chain manufacturer.”
Chain Length	34 cm	“The chain measures 34cm long including the T-bar and the clasp.”
Fob Dimensions	35 mm wide by 47 mm high	“large fob, 35mm wide, 47mm high including the integral ring.”
Fob Hallmark Date	1914	“The fob is hallmarked for 1914.”
Total Weight	79 g	“Total weight 79g.”

Visible details

Graduated silver curb-link chain arranged in loops on a plain white surface.
Central shield-shaped fob medallion featuring decorative foliate scrollwork and an unengraved central cartouche.
Straight cylindrical T-bar with central molded collar attached alongside a spring swivel clasp.

Research qualifications

Maker's mark and silver hallmarks described in the listing are not legibly discernible in the photograph.
Dating to 1900–1920 is seller-reported based on hallmarks and stylistic period.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Silver Albert Watch Chain 1900 - 1920 | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 59063d58e4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.