French Antique Art Nouveau Silver Sautoir Long Guard Chain ~ c1900

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French Antique Art Nouveau Silver Sautoir Long Guard Chain ~ c1900:
$135.04

This is a beautifully hand crafted and unique French silver long sautoir or long guard chain. It is circa 1900 and is a fine antique piece in the Art Nouveau style. The links are strong and have small textured balls and square shaped pieces scattered along the length of the chain. There is a finely worked flower slide with extraordinary detail and texture. The bold ring is hallmarked with the boar\'s head mark which is the standard silver mark of the Paris Assay Office, indicating a fineness of 800 or higher on small articles. There is also gold vermeil to some of the shapes on the chain.
Long-chains, also known as guard chains or muff chains were worn during the era of Napoleon 111 1852-1870. The chain could be worn across the shoulders, around the neck in layers, or across the chest with a watch, keys or lorgnette secured from the chain.
Dimensions are : 55 inches in length; the ball links are 3/16 inch wide; the flower slide is approx. 1/2 inch across; weight is 16.1 grams. The chain is in wonderful antique condition with lovely patina and the slide working well.
This is a superb silver sautoir to be worn layered or long. It is a wonderful collection piece.