A superb antique double Albert watch chain manufactured in Australia around the turn of the century to the first decade, weighing a wonderful and heavy 36.38 grams.

Designed as a double Albert with sliding T-bar, all original, with the T-bar hallmarked for manufacture by renowned Australian jewellery firm Larard Bros (1874-1945), and, interestingly, also hallmarked with ‘GAUNT’ - another famous Australian jeweller - who would have in this instance been the retailer for this superb watch chain. (See below for history on both Australian jewellery firms).

Stamped (faintly) to many curb-links with 15 (for 15ct), and hallmarked to the T-bar with both ‘GAUNT’ (the retailer), and the manufacturing jewellers of Victoria (MJA) series of stamps for Larard Bros, (Star with a bar), 15, and the hanging fleece guarantee mark for 15ct gold.

Of interesting note the two dog clips are 9ct rose gold. Both bear stamps for the Australian maker S. Middlewick  We have seen this before with similar chains over the years but the reason(s) allude us.  It is possible they are early replacements however they are antique, Australian, matching, and of the same era.

A pleasing length of 43cm in neck circumference, this early piece of Australian jewellery history is as wearable today as it was, albeit as an Albert pocket watch chain, over 100 years ago.

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
43cm Length / Neck Circumference
T-Bar - 3.5cm
Drop with associated chain - 3cm
Dog clips - 2cm

WEIGHT
36.38 Grams

MARKS
15ct to most curb-link, stamps are very faint in places
T-Bar hallmarked for manufacture by ‘Larard Bros’, and also stamped ‘GAUNT’ for retail by Thomas Gaunt - Melbourne
Dog clips are matching, Stamped 9ct and ‘M’ in a circle for manufacture by S. Middlewick - Perth W.A. (1912-1950+)

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition.  No thinning between any links or associated chain drop.  Dog clips are solid, spring open and closed securely.  ‘Larard’ and ‘Gaunt’ stamps crisp and clear to T-bar.  A superb 15ct solid gold antique Australian double Albert chain.

HISTORY OF LARARD AND SON, LARARD BROS (1874-1945)

Founded in 1874 as Larard and Son and becoming Larard Bros in 1882 and residing in 42 Little Collins Street East. 

John Larard was at that time apprenticed to James Murray of Bourke Street Melbourne.  On the death of their father John and his younger brother took control of the business which, in 1882, became Larard Bros.

Larard Bros were manufacturing jewellers, importers, wholesalers and their inventory included rings of all descriptions, muff chains, medals and diamond mountings were a specialty.

Their range of gold jewellery included rings of all descriptions, Alberts, muff chains, masonic jewels and medals.  They were among the more enterprising of the Melbourne manufacturers who designed and produced gold field brooches for the makers in Western Australia. 

John Larard retired in 1906 and passed away in 1938 at the age of 86 years.  The firm continued to trade as manufacturing jewellers at Sudgen Place, off Little Collins Street until 1945.

Members of the Victorian M.J.A. from its inception in 1889, their mark “Five pointed Star with a Bar” was used in conjunction with the M.J.A. stamps.

Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks. Cavill, Cocks & Grace

HISTORY OF THOMAS GAUNT, T. GAUNT AND CO. (1852-1979).

T. Gaunt and Co., goldsmiths, watchmakers and opticians, was founded in Melbourne by Thomas Gaunt in 1852.  In the early years the business was located in Little Bourke Street, then in 1867 the firm moved to a larger premises in Bourke Street which remained their location for over a century.

Thomas Gaunt was perhaps best known as a clock and watchmaker.  He is especially remembered for his large chronograph that was erected at Flemington Racecourse for the Victoria Racing Club.

In 1892 Gaunt and Co. was acquired by F.WS. Heath.  Heath had been a partner in T. Willis and Co., manufacturing jewellers of Melbourne.

In the late Victorian era Gaunt and Co. were producing stone-set jewellery and continued as manufacturing jewellers throughout the early decades of the present century.

From the turn of the century until 1979, when Gaunt and Co. were taken over by Angus and Coote Ltd, the company was noted for its production of ecclesiastical silverware.

The firm became T. Gaunt and Co. Pty Ltd in 1909.

Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks. Cavill, Cocks & Grace