Featured Unusual watch Fob?

I am guessing this is a watch fob but it seems a little short for that. Curious if there are any ideas as to the age or possibly the maker. The entire chain is 6" long. Thanks in advance!

 

The beaded part looks home made. Does the box open? Rest of it does seem like a short leash for a watch. How close to the watch pocket is the closest button hole on a typical vest?

 

Some of them were that short, but those beads and that hardware didn't start life together.

 

The box does not open.

 

This was called a "liontine" worn by both men an women. It would anchored in a near button hole, usually in the lapel. The watch would be placed in a breast pocket and the dangle would just hang down. The whole contraption is probably GF but parts may be gold (low grade). I think that these were popular about 1890-1910. How chains were worn during these times seems to be particular to each user.

 

Are those black beads... jet?
Leslie

 

Have seen other glass or stone bead fobs before (there were even watch chains with beads), either strung on chain like this one, or links...

~Cheryl

 

Gotta run, but here are a few images from a quick online search:


Glass:



Glass:



Agate:



Satin spar:



~Cheryl

 

Thanks all for the additional comments. I actually sold the fob a few months ago.

 

Congratulations!