Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and A Collector’s Things
Every well-dressed man in the late 1800’s sported a pocket watch. Waltham, Elgin and Hamilton were just a few of the fine American makers producing the high quality movements that made those watches tick. Most often worn in a waistcoat or trouser pocket, these timepieces were secured with a chain attached to a button, belt, or vest. Decorative fobs dangled from the chain. These unique objects acted as a counterweight and made it easier to retrieve the watch. Popular choices for fobs included seals, medals and small, functional tools.
During World War I, the wristwatch gained popularity with soldiers in the trenches for practical reasons. With pocket watches rapidly losing favor, fobs and chains did as well… initially. However, these clever little gadgets and tools were simply too charming to discard. In fact, by the mid-1950’s, fobs had become quite collectible. Often worn singly on a chain around the neck or clustered on a bracelet, fobs offered antique appeal showcased in a modern way.
A recent acquisition, this 18-karat yellow gold bracelet boasts an enchanting ensemble. There are fourteen individual “charms” including three pairings. Beginning at the clasp end of the link bracelet, the first two fobs are seals.
The first seal features a bloodstone bottom while the second one has a deeply etched shield topped by a coronet. This heraldic crest was likely used to seal letters and documents. Next in line is the first duo…
A watch key and matching seal are joined with one ring that connects to the bracelet. Cabochon oval garnets are bezel set within a beaded frame at the top of both pieces. These two beauties were clearly made to be used and worn with the same watch. Marking the fourth station on the bracelet is an intricately carved seal with a round bloodstone at the base. As I tip over the fifth fob, I cannot help but remark that whomever curated this collection clearly had some favorites. This one also has a bloodstone bottom!
Next is a turquoise flower seal also culminates with… Yep! You guessed it – a bloodstone cap. Clearly a fovorite for this collector. A sweet little whistle takes the center spot. Popularized by railway conductors and engineers, these miniature whistles were as stylish as they were functional. This one does, in fact, work – I couldn’t resist trying it for myself. Adjacent to the whistle is the second pairing. The style of this fob and key duo also match. Hand engraved on the bottom of the seal are the words “From her Husband” and the initials “E. H. J.”
Highlighting the owner’s love of equestrian sports, a golden horse head takes the eighth position. Horses were widely accepted as a talisman of good luck and this is no exception. To the right of the horse is a fierce lion’s head. Featuring three emeralds (two for the eyes and one clenched between his teeth), this common Victorian symbol of strength and courage could also symbolize the zodiac sign Leo.
Tenth, is my personal favorite. A matched pair of five-petaled flowers sit back to back on top of a carnelian seal. A small round turquoise has been bezel set in the center of each blossom. Carefully etched into the deep red carnelian is one word… Nette. Most likely a diminutive of the longer Annette, Antoinette, Jeanette or even Henrietta, this nickname was surely a sign of affection. Simple, and sweet.
The final spot is held by the third duo… another fob and key pairing. This fob, like three others on this bracelet, also features a piece of bloodstone on the bottom. Once this green chalcedony and iron oxide gem was the birthstone for March. Sometimes called Heliotrope, bloodstone is believed to boost courage, enhance creativity, and provide protection. The key paired with this fob features the same entwined wire design.
Someone once sought out this eccentric collection of fourteen fobs, keys and seals. Though you may have thought the bracelet was complete, I count seven empty links. Consider those spaces an opportunity to interject your own personal style. Purchase this antique treasure trove for $8,750.00… then put your own stamp on it! Until then, it will be in Joe’s Special Box.
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
