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Western America
Souvenir Locket Containing Gold Flakes & Gold Nuggets
c. 1849 -1900 19th Century, Watch Fob / Pendant containing Actual Gold Flakes & Nuggets. American Gold Rush or Western Gold Mining Souvenir. Extremely Fine.
This rare, original, Fob or Pendant measures about 9/16" (14mm) in diameter and features a 9 Karat Gold, milled edge bezel surrounding a double sided, convex glass encasement that contains small, natural authentic Gold Nuggets & Flakes. The bezel is joined at the top with its original cylindrical "clasp" that is secured by a tiny screw. This clasp has a small ring which would be used to attach the Fob or Pendant to a Watch Chain or a necklace chain. The entire Fob, including the bezel, closure, convex cover glasses and having Authentic Gold flakes and small Nuggets as its contents, weighs a total of 1.6 grams.
This Fob is not dated or marked, the design and form is typical of Fobs and Pendants produced during the various Gold Rush periods of the mid to late 19th century, from about 1849 to 1900. Miners who traveled to the Gold Fields of California, Montana, Alaska, etc. often had mementos of this type made as gifts to loved ones or as remembrances of their time in the fields. Few gold miners actually “struck it rich” but many did accumulate small amounts of Gold flakes and tiny nuggets and fobs or pendants like the one offered here. It is 100% original and “as made.” The bezel, closure, and ring hanger are all intact and sound. The convex cover glasses are intact and have never been opened, however both sides do exhibit fine hairline cracks are quite unobtrusive and has some expected surface abrasions from actual use. Attractive and very rare, this exciting real Gold, Gold Rush era memento will display beautifully.
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View Bid Increments & Buyer's Premium
| Estimate | $500 - $600 |
| Starting Bid | $375 |
