Antique 1914 Book-Chain, Long Guard Muff Chain with Sterling Silver Fob 66\" 100g For Sale

For sale is a beautiful, highly collectible antique nickel silver book chain long guard (muff) chain with a Sterling Silver pendant fob. Dating to 1914, this entire late Edwardian piece originally belonged to my great grandfather and was handed down through the family. It was probably worn in conjunction with the Sterling Silver pocket watch I had listed separately, and is a magnificent example of British jewellery heritage from Birmingham\'s historic Jewellery Quarter.
The chain is substantial at 66 inches long and 100 grams in weight, making it quite exceptional. Relatively rare chains of over 60 inches in length were historically used as watch guards or chatelaine chains often featuring a sliding fob. The pendant with this one is hallmarked Sterling Silver with the Birmingham Assay mark. The maker\'s mark, MB&S, indicates it was quite probably made by Marples, Beasley and Sturges, a highly regarded manufacturing silversmith.
The chain is exceptionally versatile and could be wrapped several times around the neck to be styled as a stunning substantial modern statement necklace.
Item Specifications.
Maker: MB&S
Assay Office: Birmingham, UK (stamped with anchor mark)
Year: 1914 (date letter p)
Metal Purity: Fob is solid sterling silver as evidenced by the lion passant mark. Links are unmarked and most likely made of nickel silver, which has an appearance similar to silver but tarnishes slowly in comparison.
Total Length: 66 inches (approx 167 cm)
Total Weight: 100 grams (fob weighs 7 grams)
Link Style: Classic, smooth elegant links. Potential high shine if polished.