I bought this "mechanical" heart charm last fall from a dealer in Canada. It was one of three mechanical charms in a group of a dozen charms that had been collected during the mid-20th century by a well-to-do Canadian woman who traveled widely, adding charms to her bracelets as she went.
I like to think that she traveled by ship, but in fact I have no idea how she got around.
(A mechanical charm is a charm that has moving parts. This type of charm was very popular from the 1940s through the 1960s. After that, very few were made, probably because of the amount of work that went into each tiny charm.)
The 1960s heart opens to show an embracing couple, and it would be the perfect gift for a bride. It is valued at about $30.
The heart with baby footprints is not a vintage charm. I bought it new because it was such a perfect fit for this jewelry series. It is so very sweet.
See also:
Love & Marriage (& Baby Carriage)
The Love Letter Charm Bracelet
Photos: Monica Strasen.
@ Jeanne Sather 2010.
Comments