Victorian Coin Purse Pendant in 14k Gold (A. Frankfield & Co.)

This handmade mesh coin purse pendant is constructed of 14k yellow gold yet is so exquisitely made that it feels like fabric to the touch. The clasp is extremely secure, with hand-chased flowers in rose, green, and white gold on the front top edge. 
What a unique piece to add to your collection—and in such pristine condition!

About the Jeweler: Born in Europe in 1828, Adolf Frankfield immigrated to the United States in 1855 and opened A. Frankfield & Co. Jewelers at 209 6th Ave. and 14th Street in New York City. A watchmaker by trade, he had a patent for the first US-made cuckoo clock, which stayed wound for eight days. He was also a silversmith and rarely you will find silver Gorham pieces also signed by A. Frankfield. The business was continued until about 1912.

*A. Frankfield, 1869
A. Frankfield & Co., 1919

Dimensions: 4" long x 2.75" wide
Metal: 14k yellow, green, rose & white gold
Markings: 585 A.FRANKFIELD & CO. of NY
Circa: 1870–1890
Weight: 42.6 grams
Condition Rating: Some of the gold wash* has worn off the mesh; the rest is in excellent condition and does not reflect its age

*Gold wash is a technique that was used on much of the antique jewelry you see. A piece can be solid gold, 14k or 10k or 9k solid gold with a "gold wash" that is applied over the gold, making it look closer to 18k or 22k gold. You can still see parts of this piece have a richer and more sandblasted finish—that's the gold wash. It would be more like modern jewelry today that is a based metal with a gold plating, but plating these days is typically thinner 14k and therefore easier to rub off.