A vintage H.F.B. gold filled book locket necklace with a mother of pearl cover and Valley Forge Military Academy seal.
This distinctive vintage locket is designed in the shape of a small book, with spine-like detail along one side and a white mother of pearl shell face on the cover. At the center is the Valley Forge Military Academy seal, framed in blue enamel and set against the luminous mother of pearl backdrop.
The locket opens to hold two photos. There are no frames or clear covers, and based on the construction, it does not appear that separate frames or covers were originally used. The condition is excellent, and the piece looks unused.
The locket is marked 1/20 12K Gold Filled and signed H.F.B. The mark is associated with H.F. Barrows Company of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, a jewelry manufacturer with roots in the Attleboro jewelry industry. Antique Jewelry University identifies H.F. Barrows marks including HFB & CO and notes the firm’s North Attleboro, Massachusetts location in the early-to-mid 20th century. The town of North Attleborough also notes that Henry F. Barrows began jewelry manufacturing in the 1850s and that the company grew into a significant local jewelry concern. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
A delicate gold filled rope chain completes the necklace. The chain is also marked 1/20 12K Gold Filled, making this a well-matched vintage necklace with a strong school, military academy, and keepsake identity.
Details
- Maker: H.F.B. / H.F. Barrows Company
- Metal: 1/20 12K gold filled
- Markings: Locket and chain are both marked 1/20 12K Gold Filled; locket is also signed H.F.B.
- Style: Book locket necklace
- Design: Valley Forge Military Academy seal on mother of pearl shell cover
- Cover Material: White mother of pearl shell
- Interior: Room for two photos
- Frames / Covers: No frames or clear covers; construction does not appear to have used separate inserts
- Chain Style: Delicate rope chain
- Locket Width: Approximately 5/8 inch, or 17mm
- Locket Height: Approximately 13/16 inch, or 20mm
- Overall Height Including Bail: Approximately 1 inch
- Academy Seal Diameter: Approximately 3/8 inch, or 10mm
- Chain Length: Approximately 17 1/2 inches
- Chain Width: Approximately 1.5mm
- Weight: Approximately 7.4 grams
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition; appears unused
Please review the photos carefully, as they are part of the description and show the exact item you will receive.
A wonderfully specific vintage book locket with mother of pearl, gold filled detail, and Valley Forge Military Academy history — a meaningful keepsake for alumni, collectors, or anyone drawn to unique school and military academy jewelry.