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Victorian "Many Happy Returns" Locket

Victorian "Many Happy Returns" Locket

$600.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1900

A sweet antique locket offering the greeting "Many Happy Returns of the Day". Essentially offering hope that the happy day being marked would recur many more times, the salutation can be traced back as far as the 1710s when it's thought the "returns" part referred to "yield" or "profit. Certainly prior to the mid-19th century it appears to have been used at any celebration or festive event, not just birthdays. The locket is 9k gold back and front, and dates from the late Victorian period, circa 1900.

MEASUREMENTS 

3.2 x 2.3cm

WEIGHT 

7.3g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 9k gold (back and front)

CONDITION 

Good, some general wear commensurate with age. A couple of dents on the shield. Closure is secure.

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