This is a precious little French antique silver locket, at least 120 years old and could be much older. A rare find in New Zealand.

It is from France and the silver mark, although very tiny, looks through a loupe to be a single crown meaning it is made in Paris.

The locket is of worn silver with an unusual and simple pattern of finely engraved rings and little dots back and front.

I suspect this is not a photo locket - the age could well be previous to photography being invented and it is deep enough to hold a keepsake or lock of hair.

Size: oval in shape and from the bottom to the top of the connecting bail is 32mm, 20mm across and 5mm deep.

Condition: worn smooth and lovely to handle, small dings commensurate with age (visible in photos) and adding to the locket's beauty, very nice patina. The hinge is perfect and the locket closes securely with a satisfying click.

The locket came to me without a chain and I've added a dark bronze Belcher chain that is 720mm long - this can be slipped over the head without a catch.

This is an unusually beautiful antique locket.

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Tags: antique french locket, sterling silver, long chain necklace