This is a super rare Victorian locket with the original two photos of a soldier in uniform and a very pretty young girl who I imagine is Millie as is inscribed on the back of this piece. The front has a swastika that in better times represented life, sun, power, strength, and good luck. The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix. I imagine in a time of war, Millie or the soldier wore this to remember the other.
To stay true to this piece I chose to construct the piece with a 24" double round soldered chain, a bail connector for the locket and a filigree clasp that securely fastens so you don't lose this beauty. All parts are gold filled as the locket. Inside, Millie's photo was smaller than the locket holder so I cut out a decorative circle from an 1800s anatomy book of capillaries and placed her photo over it. Both photos are now secure. Just absolutely gorgeous and special.
There are some dings to the back of the locket but considering the age and history, it's fared well.
A little bit of history:
Started by 2 brothers in 1865, W. & S. Blackinton Co. was originally a manufacturer of gold jewelry in Meriden, CT. Apparently the company also suffered a severe fire, moved to Providence, RI. In 1901 the company became incorporated and moved back to Attleboro, MA. After being purchased by the Ellmore Silver Co. in the 1930's, they started manufacturing a line of silver-plated hollowware.
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