Antique Victorian Silver Padlock Shaped Locket Aesthetic Movement HM B ham 1886

A beautiful aesthetic movement hallmarked silver padlock shaped locket dating from the 1880s.

This very pretty and sentimental item of jewellery probably given as a gift to a sweetheart with its obvious romantic symbolism. The silver locket was made by John Millward Banks, a Birmingham silversmith operating from Northampton Street from 1863 and with a shop in London.

The locket is marked on the back with his monogram JMB and there is the Birmingham assay mark along with the year letter for 1886 - 1887, The locket is approximately 1 1/8th inch (2.8 cm) long, not including the ring, and is realistically modelled as a padlock with a non-opening u-shaped shackle. The front of the padlock has an applied, typically aesthetic movement, design featuring a wreath of convolvulus or bindweed flowers and leaves surrounding the central keyhole. The locket is hinged at the side and opens to reveal two picture compartments with all fittings in place although one of the little circles of glass is cracked. The locket closes with a positive snap.

This is a lovely item of Victorian jewellery and a very wearable item teamed with a Victorian chain. The loop or ring, which has a lion passant assay mark, could be easily removed it there was a preference for wearing the chain through the shackle or attaching to a chain with a dog clip, for example. Free domestic and international postage with this item.