Measuring and weighing antique silver items

We measure our items in a consistent way to ensure that there's no confusion when we display weights and measures. We also provide high resolution images so that you can make an informed decision as to the overall condition of the item yourself. Please remember that we do not sell new or modern items. You should expect some signs of wear on all the items we sell - after-all most are well over 100 years old. Silver is a beautiful soft precious metal, so signs of wear might include hallmarks being rubbed, surface scratching, small dents, dings and deformities. In addition, some of our items may show evidence of repairs or replacement parts, and we highlight this in the description. Any items that do not meet our own high standards are not sold via this website, however this is based on our own personal experience and judgement. Yours may be different, so please take a close look at the images available. Please feel free to request extra information about a specific item, or extra photographs if you have any questions.

When measuring our watch and Albert chains, we take 3 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Single chains

On a single chain, the length is taken from the T-bar at the top of the chain, to the end of the spring clip at the far end. The width is the measurement taken at the widest point of the chain - not the T-bar or clip. The height is the thickness of the chain when laid on a flat surface - not the thickness or gauge of an individual link. This can vary greatly, depending on the style of link used in the chain. A belcher link chain will generally have a deeper profile that that of a curb link chain. If there is a chain tail with or without a fob attached, this is NOT included in the measurements.

Double chains

On a double chain, the length is taken from the spring clip at the top of the chain, to the end of the spring clip at the far end. The width is the measurement taken at the widest point of the chain - not the T-bar or clips. The height is the thickness of the chain when laid on a flat surface - not the thickness or gauge of an individual link. This can vary greatly, depending on the style of link used in the chain. A belcher link chain will generally have a deeper profile that that of a curb link chain. If there is a chain tail with or without a fob or T-bar attached, this is NOT included in the measurements.

Weighing chains

We include all accessories that are attached to the watch chain e.g. T-bar, clips, fobs, coins etc in a total weight. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.

When measuring our cufflinks, we take 2 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Length

The length is a measurement of the front face at it's longest. The back face, whether it's a duplicate of the front, or a different design, is not measured.

Width

The width is a measurement of the front face at it's widest. The back face, whether it's a duplicate of the front, or a different design, is not measured.

Height

The height is the thickness of the front face when laid on a flat surface. Please note that if the face is dome shaped, this will increase the height, but it does not represent the actual gauge of the metal used in the front face. The back face, whether it's a duplicate of the front, or a different design, is not measured.

Weight

We weigh both cufflinks together and display the total weight. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.

When measuring our silver fobs, we take 3 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Length

The length is taken from the top to the bottom of the fob but does not include any jump ring that may be attached.

Width

The width is the measurement taken at the widest point of the fob.

Height

The height is the thickness of the fob when laid on a flat surface at its highest point. If the fob has a domed cartouche this can add significantly to the height of the fob, but it does not necessarily represent the height of the fob across its whole length or width.

Weighing silver fobs

We include all jump rings that may be attached to the fob in a total weight. If the fob has extensive enameling, it should be remembered that this enamel will also be included in the total weight that we display. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.

When measuring our pocket watches, we take 3 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Length

The length is a measurement of the pocket watch from top to bottom across the face at its widest point, but does not include the crown and bow at the top of the watch.

Width

The width is a measurement of the pocket watch from side to side across the face at its widest point.

Height

The height is the thickness of the watch when laid on a flat surface. Please note that if the glass is dome shaped, this will increase the height.

Weight

We weigh pocket watches as they are and display the total weight. This will include the glass face, internal workings as well as the silver case. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.

When measuring our silver buttons, we take 3 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Length

The length is taken from the top to the bottom of the button at its widest point.

Width

The width is the measurement from side to side at the widest point of the button.

Height

The height is the thickness of the button when laid on a flat surface. If the button has a domed design - which most do, this can add significantly to the height of the button. We do not include any hoops that may be fixed to the back of the button in our measurements.

Weighing silver buttons

We include all buttons in the set as well as any rings and hoops that may be attached to the buttons, in a total weight. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.

When measuring our vesta and card cases, we take 3 measurements. We use centimeters as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place (1 mm).

Length

The length is a measurement of the pocket watch from top to bottom across the case at its tallest point, but does not include any jump ring that may be attached to the top of the case. We do include any fixed rings that may be attached to the case.

Width

The width is a measurement of the case from side to side across its widest point. We do not include any jump rings that may be attached to either side of the case, but we do include any fixed rings that may be attached to the sides of the case.

Height

The height is the thickness of the case when laid on a flat surface. Please note that if the profile of the case is curved - which it often is, this will increase the height.

Weight

We weigh cases as they are and display the total weight. This will include any jump rings that you see attached to the case in the photographs. We use grams as the measurement and round to 1 decimal place.