After decades in the business and even longer as a collector we have not seen a piece of jewellery by this little known maker - A. A. Hickman 1884 - 1914.
*Read below and excerpt from Cavill Cocks and Grace Australian Jewels Marks and Makers*.

A. A. Hickman basically disappeared around 1914 after registering his trademark symbol of a ‘Padlock’ (Application No. 17361) and, at the time of publishing, Cavill Cocks and Grace were seeking more information on this maker.  We have scoured online digitalised newspapers an  further literature etc also and there simply is no mention of Alfred Hickman after this date.  Perhaps he went off to war and never returned.. we may never know.

So… this very rare and interesting piece is hallmarked with A. A. Hickmans ‘Padlock’ symbol / 9 / and ‘H’ for Hickman, to a raised cartouche to the bracelet.

Crafted in 9ct rose gold, of typical hollow curblink design, and secured with a large padlock clasp - not by Hickman - with the most beautiful engraving and raised ribbed shell like motifs to each corner, engraving to verso also.  Stamped simply with ‘MM’? and 375 we sadly cannot identify the maker.

Not too chunky and certainly not too light, this piece of history weighs a very wearable and comfortable 26 grams combined.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own this quite remarkable piece of Australian history, a piece that embodies the beauty, craftsmanship and, in this case, mystery we find attached to antique jewellery of themes gone by.


HISTORY OF A.A. HICKMAN 1884-1914

“Alfred Hickman was first noted in the Melbourne directories in 1885; he was then trying as a jeweller at 293 Bay Street, port Melbourne.  He occupied various premises in Bay Street until 1896, when he moved to Pall Mall, Bendigo.  From 1897 to 1906 he worked at 228 Bourke Street, Melbourne.  Presumably, he remained at this location until 1914, when he registered his stead mark, a “Padlock”, (Application No. 17361) for use on unspecified jewellery.

The membership list of the M.J.A. of Victoria published in the ‘Australian Manufacturing Jewellers’, Watchmakers’ and Opticians’ Gazette for August 1914 does not include Alfred Hickman, or his mark.  Further information is sought on this maker”.
Above information obtained from Australian Jewellers Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks - Cavill Cox And Grace

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
Padlock - With arm 2.7cm x 1.7cm
Bracelet length with space including padlock - 22cm

WEIGHT
26.49 Grams

MARK
Bracelet - Fully hallmarked on cartouche for A.A. Hickman - ‘Padlock’ / 9 / ‘H’
Another cartouche with ‘9c’
Padlock - ’MM’? And 375 - Maker unknown

CONDITION
Very good antique condition.  No thinking between links, minor marks to gold commensurate with age.  Lovely patina, we have not overly cleaned this one!  Padlock is large, no dents or dings, very strong padlock arm and closes and opens very securely. Rare bracelet by a little know early Australian maker.

Please note boxes are for display only unless otherwise stated.