Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Opening Locket By W H Manton - Circa 1890’s
Both decorative and deeply personal, this is one of those rare pieces that feels special the moment it is held. With its craftsmanship, scale, and quiet romance, it has all the qualities of a future heirloom, ready to be treasured for generations to come!
Please note, boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.
The design is immediately striking, with an exquisite openwork front panel adorned with delicate floral motifs. These finely crafted flowers sit within an ornate border, framed by a perimeter of tiny silver spheres—an elegant and highly characteristic detail of the period.
The effect is wonderfully intricate, offering depth, texture, and a sense of lightness despite the locket’s impressive presence. In contrast, the reverse is plain and polished, bearing the maker’s mark for W.H. Manton.
Opening the locket reveals two internal compartments, both retaining their original rims and early plastic panes. These panes have gently mellowed over time to a soft golden hue, which subtly glows through the openwork front, creating a warm and rather enchanting effect.
A particularly unusual feature is the removable sterling silver insert behind the front panel, allowing it to be transformed into a fully open, see-through design if desired—adding both versatility and visual interest!
This is a notably substantial piece, weighing an impressive 27.7 grams and crafted with a reassuring solidity that speaks to the quality of its manufacture.
The original wide, inverted V-shaped bale remains in place, perfectly proportioned to support the locket’s weight and presence.
Measuring approximately 6.8 cm in drop from the top of the bale, this is a large and eye-catching locket that wears beautifully—whether paired with a favourite antique chain or styled more creatively on a velvet ribbon.
| Dimensions | Drop from bale - 6.8cm Locket oval - 4.5cm x 3.6cm |
| Weight | 27.7 Grams |
| Hallmarks | W H Manton Ltd - Manufacturing silversmiths, Pittsford Street, Birmingham Tested as Sterling Silver |
| Era | Victorian 1837-1901 |
| Stones | None |
Condition
Very good to excellent antique condition. This is a stunning example, heavy and beautifully manufactured. Opens and closes perfectly. Hinge strong and secure. No thinning to bale, very solid. Both internal rims present, both plastic panes present (discoloured to a mellow yellow with age), and internal Sterling silver ‘pane’ also present. No damages or repairs, minot makes other silver only, one minor impression to rear only. Stunning!Explore Our Collection
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Shipping & Delivery
Free Complimentary Express Shipping: Australia & Select International Countries.
We are pleased to offer free complimentary express postage, fully insured with tracking and signature on delivery using Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within one-two business days of purchase. Once complete, a tracking number will be forwarded to you via email notification.
We are currently shipping to the following international countries:
UK, USA, CANADA, SINGAPORE, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG.
PLEASE NOTE: Any duties imposed by countries for importing our items are the buyers responsibility. Please contact your local customs agency if you wish to discuss potential rates and fees.
Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery
We absolutely pride ourselves on sourcing the best quality pieces for our customers, with many of our items valued by our registered jeweller/gemologist.
Our collection consists of pieces that are of antique and vintage condition, which means that all our items are secondhand and used. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' and 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfection. Any condition issues are always extensively mentioned in the condition summary.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions prior to purchase. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that these descriptions and pictures are carefully viewed and any questions are asked prior to the transaction taking place.
Please refer to our guide, Caring For Antique & Vintage Jewellery for more details.
Your Purchase: What Is Included?
Your purchase will be lovingly packaged in our custom made, eco-friendly Graisons Fine Jewellery Jewel box tied with ribbon inside our custom made packaging/mailing box.
For added safety and security, all purchases are shipped inside an Australia Post medium sized mailing box.
All purchases include a photographic keepsake.
If the item includes an independent gemmological valuation certificate (which is always clearly stated in the product description), the physical certificate will be included.
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