Someone has asked me to try and sell this 14K Watch Fob with black ribbon. It has been in their antique shop at a price of $650.00. I just do not see that kind of value in it. Please take a look and give me your opinion as to value.

2

I agree, I don't see the value either. Maybe we are missing something here?

I see a tight buck and a half

Well..... what does the 14K fob weigh and is it solid gold?!

The black ribbon signifies mourning. The Victorians were very big on this, but it's too creepy for me.

That type of shape of the fob makes me think that there might have been something else on the flat bottom, perhaps a family crest, or even in incuse object that could be used as a seal.

Why should that item be worth anything more than scrap, about 80% of weight, and by the looks of it I do not see too much weight.

Marty

Hello Dave. It looks to me that the velvet strip and the Gold chain are one piece, And should go together. The actual Fob that some would call a wax seal stamp. Does not go with the rest of the velvet chain. And would go on an Albert style chain. As for as value of the gold content. That can only be answered if it in fact they are solid gold. And knowing it's weight. Guessing and let put BOLDLY Guessing I would think there is most likely 4 Dwts [penny weight] $175.

The best thing to go is take it to a gold for cash place and have them tell you how many DWT or Grams it and what they would be willing to pay..

AND DON'T SELL IT TO THEM.

You will have a hard time getting them to tell you the weight.

The only other suggestion is to order a scale on line and weight it yourself.

I agree with Eugene as to the purpose of the item, a wax seal stamp, and I don't think it is a pocket watch fob at all....the black ribbon is actually worn around the neck like a necklace and keeps the stamp handy in that manner....

As to the value, that certainly is in the eyes of the beholder and I agree the best way to value the item is to, first find out if it is solid or gold filled and gold karat then find out how much it weighs....

If one could find that special person that is looking for this exact item, then that is when maximum value will be realized and the best way to do that is how it was being done in the first place....retail store, on display....

David, I would suggest to the shop owner to display it prominently and do not put a price tag on but instead, say, "Make An Offer"....

Just my way of doing things....

Regards,

Jerry

Jerry that is the thought I had that it was not a watch fob. With the ribbon and especially the colour of it, just did not seem right. The chain part is stamped 14K. The seal part is not stamped. I think it should be if it is solid gold. I had not thought of the possibility of it being a stamp, but that makes sense. I really saw very little value, but wanted more opinions before saying anything. One thing I did try was a magnet against what seems to be a seal and it did not stick. I tried the ribbon around my neck and it does not even come close to fitting.
Edward might be on to something with the idea of a mourning peice. I would tend to think maybe for a lady, pinned to her dress, maybe a small watch would hang on it, but not with a fob.

I believe tha Wax fob is solid gold. Because of the excellent photos that you posted Dave. This item is very old and I believe it to be from about 1880.

What I would do is take some magnification to the area where the chain clasp would be rubbing the Fob for many years.

Most of these fobs from that time period would not of been marked.

Here is a close up

Eugene:

Tried the magnifier and could see no excessive wear on the chain clasp or the fob. Even with this I do not think the value is anywhere near the $650.00 they were asking.

Took the fob to a scrapper and it weighed 16 grams.

Was offered 157.00 as scrap.