Antique Albo Silver (silver plated) Photo Vesta Locket & Sterling belcher chain by N. C. Reading and Co Birmingham c. 1890s-1900s. Unique!

Antique silver plated vesta locket with photo holder made by N.C. Reading and
Co of Birmingham circa late 1890s - early 1900s. The vesta case is made of
'Albo' silver which was first registered in 1886 and consisted of a very thick
layer of silver plate over a copper, nickel and zinc alloy base. The vesta case
has a circular recess for holding a photograph of a loved one or perhaps a pet,
and could even be personalized with the badge of a favourite sports team, band
logo, or whatever you wish! The vesta case has a striker plate to the base and
is suspended on a vintage oval linked Sterling silver belcher (rolo) chain that
compliments the vesta case very well. A rare antique silver plated vesta case
locket that is sure to make a unique statement.

Albo Regd was registered by N in 1885. The substrate is 7-11% nickel, 20-24%
zinc, the balance being copper. Albo Silver was registered in 1886 and consists
of a thick plating of silver over the substrate of 15-19% nickel, 19-23% zinc,
the balance being copper.

Marks: The vesta case is stamped on the top of the inside case sheath with
'ALBO SILVER NCR Co REG' which is the mark of N.C. Reading and Co Ltd of
186-187 Warstone Lane, Birmingham in the heart of the city's historic Jewellery
Quarter. The silver belcher chain is stamped '925' for 92.5% Sterling silver
purity.

Dimensions: The vesta case is 4.7 cm tall by 3.75 cm wide and 1 cm thick
(1.85" x 1.5" x 0.4") and weighs 21.8 grams (0.77 oz). The circular photo
recess is 1.97 cm in diameter (0.77"). The Sterling silver belcher chain is 64
cm long (24.4") and weighs 8.5 grams (0.30 oz).

Condition: The vesta case is in excellent antique condition with no dents,
dings or scratches. There are a few very small spots of tarnish that are
commensurate with age and that could be carefully polished out if so desired,
although they are not readily apparent. The case still opens easily and
smoothly and closes securely.

A rare antique silverplate vesta case locket by N.C Reading & Co of
Birmingham, England that can be personalized and that is sure to make a unique
statement.


About N.C. Reading & Co. courtesy of the British Museum Biographies:

Firm of Jewellers founded by John Reading (1790-1862) in 1847 as a chain
making workshop in Spencer Street, Birmingham. After his death, the business
was carried on by his son, Walter Reading. On his death in 1868 control passed
to his son and daughter, Nathaniel Cracknell Reading and Agnes Blackwell, who
ran the firm as a partnership from 1869-1876, when Agnes retired. Her husband
Althous Blackwell was a partner until at least 1925.

N.C. Reading was a founder member of the Birmingham Jewellers' and
Silversmiths' Association and its treasurer from 1896 until 1901. He died in
1924. By the early 1870s the firm had moved to 186-187 Warstone Lane and in
1900 a three-storey model factory was opened in Hall Street.


Please note that you should expect some wear with all antique and vintage
pieces, it is part of their charm.