www.925-1000.com

Hey everybody,

I got this silver watch fob on eBay. I'm a confused concerning the hallmarks though. It's an English sterling piece, the makers mark is G.E.W., which probably stands for George Edwin Walton, active during the early 20th century. However, looking at the date letter 'o' and the shape of the anchor and lion cartouches, I would say that this indicates 1888.
Also, I'm also amazed at the condition the fob is in, the stones are in excellent condition. Do you guys think that maybe they have been replcaced over time? The same goes for the top part of the fob (the loop and such).
What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Natascha

Pictures:
Makers mark:

Date letter and essay marks:

Stones:

The orange carnelian and red-spotted bloodstone were popular during the late 1800's. As for the lack of chips, that is a plus, though fobs usually did not take much damage. The shame is that someone overcleaned the piece stripping the oxidation from between the swivel which would have added a warm tone to the silver. The suspention loops shows some signs of wear, but not as much as it would had it been worn daily.

Thanks!
I have been checking out eBay for some time now since I wanted a nice sterling or solid gold fob, and I've indeed seen hundreds with carnelian and bloodstone, but rarely in such good condition, so that's why I was wondering whether or not they were replacements. It's really a beautiful piece.