antique Foster and Bailey Victorian silver Bracelet with heart lock

Bearing an old Foster and Bailey’s hallmark which dates it in the Victorian period, this sterling silver curb link and heart lock bracelet has been with me for quite some time. I didn’t know it was a Foster and Bailey until I decided to photograph it and then, it all became … illuminated! A partnership between Theodore Foster and Samuel Bailey, F&B operated in Providence, RI like many other American jewelry companies and specialized in the production of jewelry and small decorative pieces. Generously decorated in the Victorian style the little heart-shaped lock is engraved with the initials of a previous owner on the back and hangs off a hollow sterling curb link chain…

Size / Weight: 8” long (wearable) by 1/4” wide for the chain; heart lock is 15/16” tall by 5/8” wide; 8.2 grams

Hallmarks / Date: marked “STERLING” both on the chain and the lock; the lock also bears the company’s early hallmark as shown; 1880s-90s

Condition: excellent vintage condition with wonderful patina, beautiful ornamentation on the heart lock and no damage or repairs that I can see; please note that the spring ring clasp is a replacement - I suspect that the lock has a pinch mechanism to open but if so, it seems to be stuck; this does not affect wearability, however, thanks to the spring ring which allows you to clasp and unclasp the bracelet but also to adjust its length as needed

Inv# 13899