Noughts & Crosses : Australian Antique Long Guard or Muff Chain in 9ct Rose Gold, 146cm / 57.5″ long, circa 1890

Sold For many antique jewellery collectors, a long guard chain is the backbone of their collection (or a long longed for bucket list item). The most sought after antique guard chains are super long, not too heavy, and solid gold, which is what we have here – with extra bonus points for being constructed from unusual hand-made fancy links. The extra, extra long length lends itself to an infinite number of styling options – as either a necklace or a bracelet. It will wrap around your neck three times with ease. Originally this chain was worn by ladies to ‘guard’ their pocket watch or hold their ‘muff’ (a cylindrical hand warmer). Today it’s the perfect chain for layering with your favourite fobs and pendants. Manufacture  Modelled in 9ct rosy old gold with small gold plaque at one end which is stamped 9ct on one side, and with makers initials E.C. on the other. My Australian hallmarks books make no mention of an E.C., however the marks themselves and the little plaque are very much in keeping with the work of other Australian jewellers working at the end of the 19th Century. At one end of the chain is an oversized bolt ring (also stamped 9ct), and at the other a dog clop. The dog clip is not original to the chain – it did not have one when I found it, perhaps it never did. I was able to source a dog clip that matches the hue and the weight of the chain perfectly. It has a snappy clip and is stamped with the same 9ct mark with the underline under the t, and makers initials J.L. – also a mystery. The chain itself is fashioned from an alternating series of 8mm long paperclip links (noughts) and small fancy x-shaped links (crosses). The effect is absolutely charming, and something I’ve never seen before. The chain is 146cm long, not including the 20mm long dog clip, with a width of 3.75mm. Weighs 23.88 grams. Condition  Excellent antique condition with no faults to note. Ready for immediate and everyday wear.