No reserve price - Chain Rare Single Albert Tricolore in 800 Silver, Niello, and Rose Gold Vermeil - Manufacture
02
days
00
hours
48
minutes
08
seconds
 | €26 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €23 | |
 | €20 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143038 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Single Albert tricolore chain for a pocket watch, in solid 800 silver with rose gold vermeil and black niello, 36 cm long and weighing 11.8 g, dating to the late 19th century (c. 1885–1895) and made in Italy, in good condition with original bolt ring and swivel clasp.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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.
Seller's Story
Lover of beauty … of curiosities .. Of art.. Of the sacred.. of the profane .. I have lost
Catawiki gave me the opportunity to make my collection known to other connoisseurs ..
That is the true meaning of collecting ; sharing ..
and a piece will never be well-collected unless it reaches another eye that appreciates it, another destination, another showcase ..
Through the ages of ages ..
Davide
Translated by Google TranslateA 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.
Seller's Story
Lover of beauty … of curiosities .. Of art.. Of the sacred.. of the profane .. I have lost
Catawiki gave me the opportunity to make my collection known to other connoisseurs ..
That is the true meaning of collecting ; sharing ..
and a piece will never be well-collected unless it reaches another eye that appreciates it, another destination, another showcase ..
Through the ages of ages ..
Davide
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Estimated period
1850-1900
Metal
Rare Single Albert Tricolore in 800 Silver, Niello, and Rose Gold Vermeil - Manufacture
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
11.8 g
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Gender
Men
Country of origin
Italy
Length
36 cm
Sold by
Disclaimer
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
