Juicy Delicious : Mid Victorian Heart Padlock with Garnet Cabochon and Locket Back

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An absolutely delightful, plump and juicy heart padlock from the Romantic Period of the Victorian Era, Circa 1840-1860. The body of the padlock is smothered in delicate floral chasing, the decorations in relief on the golden ground. At the centre is a high domed oval garnet cabochon, glowing like an enchanted fruit. To the reverse is a glazed locket compartment.

The padlock opens and closes with gentle friction and makes a satisfying click when closed. I absolutely love the little flowers at the hinges and the four golden bobbles around the bezel set cabochon.

This piece was once used to fasten a bracelet or chain, but can be styled in a myriad of ways. It would have been gifted as a sentimental or sweetheart gift to someone who was very much loved and admired by the giver, a tightly woven piece of chestnut hair is visible through the locket back which would have belonged to the giver, so that the recipient could keep them close always. In the days before photography hair was often used as a cherished memento of loved ones, both in life and after.

Padlocks like this one are rare and highly collectable.

Manufacture:
The padlock bears no hallmarks, as was the custom for the period. It has been XRF tested to verify metal content. The loop at the top tests as 9ct gold, and the body of the heart at 11ct. Gold was mixed and measured by hand, so it’s not uncommon to see unusual gold carats in jewels of this era.
The padlock measures 25.3mm x 14.6mm x 11.65mm
Weighs 3.5 grams.

The high domed garnet is held in place by a bezel of gold. The garnet measures 9.8mm x 7.1mm x 4mm.

The locket back is friction fit flush with the back of the locket so that it will sit flat. The contents can be removed by a steady hand if desired (although I always feel it’s best to leave dear old lovelies as you find them, part of the magic is the love it carries and has harried for the best part of two centuries) It has a diameter of 10.5mm.

Condition:
In marvellous antique condition, with very gentle signs of wear and use. The spring may have been replaced at some point, which is not unusual in functional pieces like this one. The padlock opens smoothly and closes securely.

Description

An absolutely delightful, plump and juicy heart padlock from the Romantic Period of the Victorian Era, Circa 1840-1860. The body of the padlock is smothered in delicate floral chasing, the decorations in relief on the golden ground. At the centre is a high domed oval garnet cabochon, glowing like an enchanted fruit. To the reverse is a glazed locket compartment.

The padlock bears no hallmarks, as was the custom for the period. It has been XRF tested to verify metal content. The loop at the top tests as 9ct gold, and the body of the heart at 11ct.
The padlock measures 25.3mm x 14.6mm x 11.65mm
Weighs 3.5 grams.