Beautiful and unusual Berlin Iron long guard fancy link watch chain with a dog clip

In front of us a beautiful Berlin iron long guard chain in a very gothic style. The chain has in total 18 lozenge shape fancy links and a dog clip at the end. It can be worn twisted or not, with one, two or several layers to create different looks.

Although steel work reportedly dates back to the Elizabethan era, the mid-18th century saw the rise of this type of jewelry in a factory in Oxfordshire. The demand continued to grow in England and France for both jewelry and other wearable items, and the industrialist Matthew Boulton began manufacturing these in quantity in Birmingham in the late 1700s. The numbers of pieces produced started declining after 1850. However, in 1916 another, similar attempt was made in Germany to promote iron jewellery and to fund the German share in the First World War. This was done by exchanging gold jewellery for an iron medallion inscribed with the words: “Gold gab ich zur Wehr, Eisen nahm ich zur Her” which means “I give gold towards our defence effort and I take iron for honour” in English. This long guard chain is a great example of pieces from this period.

Today, the Berlin iron jewelry is one of the most collectible antique jewelry types among collectors.

Measurements and Condition

In very good antique condition align with its age; no missing on the links and the dog clip closes and opens well.

Length: 144cm

Width: from 28mm to 45mm

Weight: 23.48g