DATED Victorian 9CT rose gold Padlock Gate English PInchbeck bracelet Antique 1906

The story of the padlock or "gate" bracelet is one that seems to have a little history and a little folklore in it. It is said that the reason these bracelets were given was because one wanted their lover or wife to know that they loved them a lot with the heart shaped padlock. The other part of the story is a little murky but it seems to have some truth behind it. It was told from generation to generation that when a gentleman went off to war or to travel afar, he would leave the bracelet locked around her wrist and he would hold the key until he got back. This symbol of love would show others gentlemen that the woman was theirs. Sort of like a wrist chastity belt. This particular bracelet has the most beautiful rose gold pinchbeck links with raised flowers one on side and a hallmark on each link on the other. It measures 7" long and is almost 1/2" wide. THis has its original gold safety chain as well.IT opens and closed with the spring ring clasp you see in the photo. The padlock charm is marked M. Phillips. Under that are the marks .9 .375 an anchor and a lower case G. Benmeath that is the date 21/21/06. The name is simply the makers mark or the store where it was sold and would have no relevence to the hallmarks that follow. The number 9 and 375 are the same - 9 carat gold. The 375 is simply the parts per thousand mark showing that the item has 375 parts of gold in the alloy mix while the other 625 parts are usually silver, copper and zinc. The anchor is the assay office mark for Birmingham. This is where the item was made (or thereabouts) and registered for tax and confirming it is the above quality. The lowercase letter g gives us the date letter. In 1932, 15 and 12 ct were abandoned in favor of 14 ct, which was also marked 585. 9 ct continued to be legal, also marked 375. This bracelet weighs 14.8 grams. Pinchbeck was invented by the British watchmaker Christopher Pinchbeck (1672-1732) in the early 18th century. What is also a little folklore and history is the fact that he invented this for the poor who could not afford the real thing, yet the rich bought it so thieves would not steal it from them when they wore it. So close to Valentines day with the date on this being 104 years prior in the same month, a quite appropriate gift to oneself or a loved one. VintageSparkles offers Layaway on all our pieces regardless of which site it comes from. Please remember that vintage & antique items are not mint, nor are they perfect but they sure are full of old history and charm. Please use photos to make your decisions and read our policies prior to buying so you can have an excellent experience with us.