No reserve price - Chain Rare Single Albert Tricolore in 800 Silver

A time-travel journey through fine jewelry: In auction, an extraordinary lot that is not just a jewel but an authentic fragment of the history of men’s fashion in the Belle Époque. It is a chain for a pocket watch, historically known as the Single Albert model, distinguished by a very rare tricolor configuration that unites natural 800 silver, warm vermeil rose gold plating, and the legendary black niello. The secrets and curiosities of Niello: The true magic of this piece lies in niello technique, a metallurgical art born even in ancient Egypt and perfected in the Renaissance by masters such as Brunelleschi. To achieve this geometric bi-color effect, the craftsman had to engrave the silver millimeter by millimeter and fill the grooves with a fused alloy based on sulfur, copper, and lead, then level everything. If classic niello chains (black and white) are already collector’s items, the tricolor specimens that integrate rose gold plating were considered absolute luxury goods, destined only for the wealthiest gentlemen of the late Victorian upper middle class. Origin and link to luxury watchmaking: The punch mark 800 on the joining ring and the craftsmanship of the three intertwined wires geographically place this jewel in the major transalpine districts, near Switzerland (the homeland of fine pocket watches) and southern Germany (Pforzheim). It was a period when the pocket watch was not merely a tool to read the time, but the most important symbol of social status for a man. The chain had to be flexible, light, and striking when resting on the waistcoat. A piece of history for modern use: This specimen has traversed over a century of history, reaching us in superb conservative condition and preserving both of its original period terminals: the bolt ring and the swivel clasp. The extraordinary charm of this object also lies in its modern versatility. Today collectors no longer confine it to the breast pockets: thanks to its 36 cm length and exceptional flexibility, it has become a cult piece of contemporary vintage fashion, worn as a refined double-strand necklace or as a multi-strand bracelet with strong historical character. Condition and Certification: The chain retains its magnificent, intact patina of time, untouched by modern polishing or aggressive chemicals (which would have permanently removed the gold plating and niello). • The jewel has been carefully tested to guarantee the authenticity of all precious materials. • The official 800 hallmark is clearly stamped and visible on the profile of the final connecting ring. Technical Details (Lot Specifications) • Type: Chain for pocket watch / Vintage necklace / Multi-strand bracelet • Era: Late 19th Century (Late Victorian, circa 1885-1895) • Main Material: Solid 800 silver (tested and guaranteed) • Finishes and Colors: Deep black niello enamel and rose gold vermeil • Total Weight: 11.8 grams • Total Length: 36 cm • Condition: Excellent vintage condition, natural patina intact.

Estimation:€26

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