Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have an unusual and interesting George V Sterling Silver Watch Chain. The chain is made up of links formed from St John Ambulance yearly examination bars, each individually hallmarked for the relevant year and the fob is a St John Ambulance Association Medallion awarded once a member had passed their three initial examinations and proof of the member's competence to offer First Aid to an injured person. The medallion was issued to James Richardson and is engraved with his service number of 186551. Each year bar is also engraved with service number 186551 proving they were all earned by the same person.

The medallion and several of the year bars are made by Vaughton & Sons with the other year bars being made by W.M. Dowler & Sons. Both firms were specialist medal and award makers based in Birmingham. The medallion dates to 1915 and the bars are dated 1916, 1917, 1918, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1930 and 1931.

Condition is extremely good with all the links secure, no damage to any of the bars or the medallion and both T-bar and clip in good order. There is just the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 90 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The chain is 44cm / 17.3ins long and the medallion is 3.9cm / 1.5ins across and top to bottom. It weighs in at a substantial 61.6g / 2.17oz of solid Sterling Silver and has a good chunky feel to it.

The hallmarks throughout are well struck and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the relevant date letter from q for 1915 on the medallion up to F for 1930 on the 1931 date bar. The pieces are marked either V & S for Vaughton & Sons or W.D & S for W.M. Dowler & Sons.

Shipping in the UK is £10 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the watch chain.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.