Please note, boxes and chains are for display only unless otherwise stated.

Our Antique Late Victorian/Early Edwardian 9ct Rose Gold Ball Motif Long Guard Chain is available for separate purchase. Click HERE. 

Once upon a time these were the hallmark of a well-dressed and affluent Edwardian gentleman: a Dennison sovereign case swinging from an Albert chain beside a pocket watch, keeping a full gold sovereign(s) safe and close.
 
This one – a generous 3.5 cm across and an incredibly solid 22.7 grams of warm 9ct rose gold, hallmarked Birmingham 1910 by Aaron Lufkin Dennison himself – is the larger size made for a full sovereign. It measures a superb 3.5cm ‘round’ and with the top loop a wonderful drop of 4.5cm.

The original subtle engine-turning has softened to an even more subtle, almost invisible texture - 115 careful years and perhaps one light professional polish long ago.  To the rear, you will see a small round impression at the center of the back cover which is known as a “lathe center mark” or “turning center mark.”

This is (for those who are curious), a manufacturing feature left from when the case was originally turned on a lathe during production!  The tiny circle(s) you see is where the tailstock center of the lathe made contact with the gold while the piece was being spun and finished.  It appears on both antique pocket watches and sovereign case holders because both were made using the same turning methods.  So, what you are seeing is a hallmark of traditional craftsmanship, not a flaw — a subtle trace of how the case was precision-turned over a century ago.

Inside, the spring bed to hold the sovereigns is in perfect working order.

Today, while gentlemen still love them, women have quietly claimed the very best examples - as they absolutely should!. 

Slip it onto a long antique muff chain, a traditional Albert chain, or even a silk ribbon and it becomes the chicest pendant you’ll ever own – understated rose gold against a white shirt or black cashmere, with the substantial weight to feel expensive every time it moves or his held!

It’s not just a rare survivor; it’s the piece that finishes a collection or starts a new obsession. And once it’s on your chain, good luck taking it off!.

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
3.5cm ‘round
With the top ring a drop of 4.5cm

WEIGHT
22.7 Grams

MARKS
Fully hallmarked for ALD - the registered maker’s mark for Aaron Lufkin Dennison
9 - 375 - Anchor for Birmingham assay - ‘l’ date letter for 1910
Hallmarked again to spring bed rim 

ERA
Edwardian 1901-1910 / hallmarked for 1910

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  This is a superb and heavy example, beautifully crafted.  There is the finest engine turned pattern to the borders, this would have been relatively faint when first manufactured, it does show some fading now and is now very subtle… however this piece itself shows no other signs of use or wear except for two minuscule, shallow pin points under scrutiny, if not magnification only.  It is in superb condition for its 115 years! 

It opens and closes perfectly, and with ease, the top push down mechanism is in excellent condition.  Inside is superb also, spring bed is in perfect working order. Hallmarks are also cross and clear.  A stunning piece of jewellery!!