How do you attach a fob?

Thread a simple jump ring through the top loop. You then clip this ring directly to the T-bar or a drop chain on your Albert. Some people prefer hanging them on a modern neck chain. They work well as pendants if the jump ring is wide enough.

My grandfather left me his pocket watch and it has this heavy gold thing with a carved family crest on the bottom hanging off the chain, what was it used for?

That is a traditional seal fob. Gentlemen used the carved base, known as the matrix, to press their crest into hot wax when sealing letters. The heavy weight served a dual purpose. It anchored the pocket watch safely in the waistcoat pocket and prevented the chain from slipping out during daily wear. These personalised crests acted as a unique signature before modern envelopes existed.

Can I polish the stone?

Wiping it with a soft damp cloth is usually enough. Hardstones resist dirt but can pick up grease from handling. Avoid abrasive pastes. They risk wearing down the crisp edges of the intaglio carving.

I found a Victorian spinner with a red stone on one side and a green one on the other, but the metal mount is looking very dull and grey in the crevices, should I clean it?

That grey tarnish often adds definition to the chased metalwork. Many collectors prefer to leave it exactly as it is. If you want to brighten the high spots, a jeweller's cloth will lift surface dirt. Never dip the whole piece in liquid cleaner. The chemicals can seep into the pivot mechanism of the spinner and trap moisture behind the stones.

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Antique Fobs from the 19th Century

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Antique fobs are small decorative weights or seals originally worn suspended from a pocket watch chain to keep it anchored and provide a handy tool for stamping wax.

19th century

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Gold Fob

From Roselane Antiques

£170

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

19th century

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Cornelian and Agate 9ct Gold Fob

From Roselane Antiques

£195

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

14.5" 37cm 66g Solid Silver Pocket Watch Albert Chain Fob Birmingham 1897 Victorian

19th century

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14.5" 37cm 66g Solid Silver Pocket Watch Albert Chain Fob Birmingham 1897 Victorian

From Andrew Nethercott Antiques

£195

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

jewellery

Small Gold and Enamel Watch Key and Seal

19th century

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Small Gold and Enamel Watch Key and Seal

From Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

£225

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

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Antique Fobs from the 19th Century

Gold Fob

Cornelian and Agate 9ct Gold Fob

14.5" 37cm 66g Solid Silver Pocket Watch Albert Chain Fob Birmingham 1897 Victorian

Small Gold and Enamel Watch Key and Seal

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