Please note, boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.
    
This absolute gem is truly a rare find, crafted by one of our early Australian jewellers, Charles R. Forster (Melbourne) who operated his business between 1913-1970+,  and retailed by G.H Palfrey (1897-1927 Melbourne) - hallmarked to the verso by both Forster and Palfrey.

Pieces by Charles R Forster are rare to find in today’s collector market, albeit retailed by another prominent early Australian jewellery business, making this an exciting piece to add to your collection!

Presenting in very good to excellent antique condition, this piece is substantial in size but elegant and refined in style.  To the front, we find what we believe to be the initials ‘MGS’, in ye olde cursive script.  There is also a date, ‘1918’.  Perhaps this piece was originally presented as a gift, perhaps to commemorate an anniversary? Does this date mean anything special to you?

To the verso we find two sets of stamps, PALFREY, (who retailed the piece at his premise at 317 Collins Street Melbourne) as well as a trio of hallmarks:  a ‘Diamond’ symbol to denote manufacture by Forster / 9 for 9ct / and the ‘Wheatsheaf’ symbol/guarantee mark used by the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria.

A substantial piece, weighing a very pleasing 12.2 grams, this piece opens and closes perfectly. Both compartments remarkably retain their original rims and clear hard plastic/casein panes with no damages.  

A lovely and rare early Australian piece that would make a treasured gift this Christmas, ready to lovingly store your precious photos.

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
3.2cm Round 
Drop with bale - 4.0cm

ERA
Art Deco - 1915 -1938

WEIGHT
12.2 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for manufacture by Charles R Forster  - ‘Diamond’ symbol  / 9 for 9ct / ‘Wheatsheaf’ guarantee mark used by the Manufacturing Jewellers Association of Victoria 
Also marked with ‘PALFREY’ - who retailed this piece in his premises at 317 Little Collins Street Melbourne

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  A substantial piece, well made. Opens and closes perfectly. Both compartments retain their original rims and clear hard plastic/casein panes with no damages.  No dents or dings.  

G.H. Palfrey 1897-1927 - Melbourne

G.H. Palfrey was listed in ‘Sands and McDougall’s’ Melbourne Directory from 1897.
The firm was located at 317 Little Collins Street by 1901, and remained there until 1923.  Palfrey advertised as a : “gold and silversmith, jeweller, watch and clock hospital”.
From 1924 he was trading at Howey Place off Little Collins Street, where the business was continued by Miss S. Palfrey until the outbreak of the Second World War. 

Charles R. Forster  1913-1970+ - Melbourne

Charles Richard Forster received his early training in the family business. Prior to establishing himself as a manufacturing jeweller in Victoria he had spent time abroad gaining valuable experience in two of the worlds major centres for jewellery manufacture - Birmingham England  and New York City.

In 1913 Forster set up as a manufacturing jeweller at 317 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Occupying various premises in Melbourne he was also listed at 229 Victoria Street Abbotsford in 1931.

By 1938 his business was well established in premises at 364 Lonsdale Street Melbourne.

A member of the Manufacturing Jewellers’ Association of Victoria, his early mark/symbol a ‘diamond within a square’, and later from 1932 simply a ‘Diamond’.  In 1948 a new mark an ‘F’ in a diamond’ was also registered.

After WWII the business was continued by his sons Bert and Kenneth Forster. In the 1950’s the manufactory employed some 40 staff.  Quality diamond jewellery was produced for Drummonds, Hardy Bros and others.

Moving to Dryburgh Street North Melbourne where they continued to trade until the mid 1970’s. 

Credit: Australian Jewellers Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks - Cavill Cocks And Grace