Victorian Sterling & Enamel Hinged Horseshoe Bracelet

An absolutely fabulous and very unusual sterling bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Traditionally worn as good luck, this fantastic hinged bracelet is in the shape of a 3-dimensional horseshoe and has colorful enameled lettering on the sides. The enameled letters are shades of green, navy, black, red, yellow, white and turquoise. I am unsure what language is used or what it exactly reads, however, the few bracelets that I have come across similar to this one have referred to one's good luck or good fortune. This exquisite bracelet has seven (always 7 for good luck!) 9kt rose gold raised "nail heads" on one side and is smooth on the other. At the end of the horseshoe is an opening where you slide it onto your wrist. The opening has a safety latch which unhooks at one side to make it easy to take on and off. This bracelet would fit best on a small to average sized wrist. A fabulous and extremely unusual piece and a must for any horseshoe jewelry collector!

Measurements: The width of the bracelet ranges from a little more than 1/8" wide to a little more than 1/4" wide. The depth of the bracelet ranges from a little less than 1/4" wide to a little more than 1/4". Stretched fully open, the opening where your wrist would slide through measures 1 3/4" wide and the opening where your wrist would rest measures approximately 2 1/4" wide and 1 6/8" tall.

Condition: The overall condition of the bracelet is great. There are some minor surface scratches on the silver of the bracelet which is not apparent when the bracelet is worn and not unusual for a bracelet from this period. Due to the fine enamel work, polishing the scratches would be very difficult and would take away from the authenticity of the piece, therefore I have left it in its original condition. The enameling looks to be in fine condition with no serious chips. The safety hook is secure and in good working condition.