Victorian Love Token Charm Bracelet

Circa 1890, a Victorian love token bracelet, originally a sterling silver Albertina watch chain, with a trio of unique charms: a sterling silver seated-Liberty dime dated 1888 engraved on one side "Helen", a sterling silver tassel and a miniature sterling puffy heart, with the original t-bar adding another interesting textural note.

I love the rich patina that emphasizes all the decorative details.

Details: Measuring approximately 7" long from the dog-clip clasp to the closure jump ring, with an additional 2" drop of the tassel and charms. The slide moves up and down the chain if desired but is not loose enough to move on it's own.

Condition: In excellent condition with a deep antique patina. The clasp is in strong working order. 

History: Love token coins have been around since roughly the 17th century. Carved on coins of varying denominations they were a fairly inexpensive way to express sentiment and regard as coins were for the most part readily available and of a size to transform easily into a wearable keepsake. Usually engraved with initials and dates, but sometimes allegorical or decorative images and sentimental mottos, they might also be embellished with enamel and gemstones or cut into unusual shapes.

Often on sterling silver liberty seated dimes and with only one side engraved, leaving the other with the original minted image, which is quite helpful when circa dating. During the American Civil War they became an enormously popular memento for departing soldiers to give to girlfriends, wives, sisters, and mothers. This popularity lasted until the end of the 19th century, though some can be found with dates reaching into the early 1910s.