Victorian Watch Chain Necklace with dated Christmas 1878 charm holder, watch hook

This wonderful watch chain necklace is a generous 18.5" in length and is compromised of original Victorian era gold. When found, the 14k end caps, dated charm holder and watch hook was attached to a very tattered human hair chain. This tells us that it was a cherished and utilized possession. The charm holder is dated Christmas day 1878, which leads us to believe that it was a love token as opposed to a mourning piece. Contrary to popular belief, not all hair jewelry of the 19th century was mourning jewelry. This was likely a Christmas present from a lady to her gentleman. It is paired with a 9 karat gold chain from the same era. The chain is a lovely and sturdy interlocking hoop style which was popular in the late 19th century. This one was professionally repaired in one spot, so two links feel less flexible, however it is only apparent by handling and flexing the links of the chain. The watch hook is likely gold filled. It does not have any wear down to any base metal but rather feels hollow. Almost all watch hooks from this era were gold filled, meaning that there is a thick layer of gold melded to a metal base for strength. Some were made with a solid core and others, like this one, were hollow. The opposite and is a watch swivel part which can open but this serves perfectly as the receptacle for the watch hook not needing to be opened with just enough tension to have to be pushed through the hook opening. The swivel part is marked with a 14, however, my jeweler stated that it is closer to 12 karat. The end caps were also professionally tested as 14k. The chain fits inside the end caps and was riveted in as well as laser soldered. The weight is 15.91 grams.