Victorian Agate Locket

We are loving this very rare & collectable, seaside souvenir locket from the late Victorian period, c1895.

The Victorians loved nothing better than a day trip to the seaside and it was common practice to take home souvenirs from their day out. I9th century souvenirs of all kinds were of far superior quality to those we see today.

This piece is a genuine banded agate locket case with gilt metal frame and fittings. The natural agate is stunning, with shades of black, brown and white, combining opaque and translucent qualities.

The inner front and back of the locket have a cheerful SOUVENIR OF BLACKPOOL insert. The locket contains 15 postcard style views of Blackpool in its heyday. Nine of the images are in their original strip stemming from the inside case, then there are two sections of 4 and 2 images respectively, that have become separated from it.

The images include all 3 piers, the last (now known as South Pier) having been built in 1893 and described here as 'New Pier'). Lots of other interesting scenes of old Blackpool.

The agate has some nibbles around the case edge and one small chip to the base of the bevelled edge rim. The other side has a sloping hand worked section that looks to be natural from date of manufacture. It is not a crack and the slight difference in surface level is only noticeable in close up viewing from side. The gilding has age appropriate wear.

Details:

• Handmade item
• Vintage from the 1900s
• Gemstone: Agate