Art Nouveau silver Guard / Muff Chain with portrait slide

Generously long with a twist-rope chain of good thickness and its original dog clip, this antique silver guard or muff chain does not stop giving! I would have loved it even as a long chain necklace but what makes it irresistible for me is its Art Nouveau slide with its portrait of the idealized female. Shown in profile in a geometric frame tempered by stylized flowers, her wavy hair held back by a floral ribbon, she is the personification of calm and serenity...

Size / Weight: 47 1/2" long (without the dog clip); dog clip adds a 3/4" drop to the chain; slide is 9/16" wide by 5/8" tall; 23.4 grams

Hallmarks / Date: not signed for maker nor hallmarked for metal quality yet tested and guaranteed to be solid silver of at least .800 purity though I believe it's probably American and thus more likely sterling; ca 1900

Condition: excellent vintage with good length, good thickness to the chain and a gorgeous figural slide; when I acquired the chain there were two or three places where it showed wear in the silver links so I had my jeweler reinforce them to avoid breakage in the future so now it's ready to be worn and enjoyed once again

Inv# 15928