1961 United Kingdom £5 Blue Locket with Rotating Gold-Plated Bail

This vintage pendant from the UK is crafted from 9k gold, featuring a glass locket with a London hallmark from 1961. Inside, it holds a £5 banknote. The bail is a later addition made of gold-plated material and can be rotated. The background of these lockets containing banknotes stems from post-WWII Europe. Despite economic recovery, a sense of caution regarding "emergencies" persisted. With credit cards not yet widespread, cash was the primary mode of transaction. Carrying a sum of "emergency funds" could prove useful in unforeseen situations. These lockets typically held old banknotes ranging from 10 shillings to £5. Some were even inscribed with "In emergency break glass," humorously suggesting to break the glass and use the pound note in case of an emergency—a witty and charming touch. According to historical inflation data, 10 shillings (equivalent to £0.5) would be roughly £10-£12.5 today, enough to purchase an accessory or see a movie, representing a versatile amount. £5, on the other hand, could buy a small to medium-sized piece of furniture. Concurrently, the 1960s marked the rise of mini fashion and Pop Art. Such petite, everyday objects aligned with the aesthetic trends of the era and were highly favored. These pendants symbolize past wisdom and the power to overcome adversity. They are delightful and intriguing talismans, as well as distinctive fashion statements. They not only carry historical narratives but also represent new beginnings and infinite possibilities, serving as an inspiring reminder that even in the most challenging times, one can possess the courage and strength to start anew. The piece is in good antique condition, with normal signs of oxidation and wear. The gold-plated rotating bail is a later addition. This is a vintage item, not a new product. Origin: United Kingdom Year: 1961 London Hallmark Materials: £5 Note, 9k Gold Pendant, Gold-Plated Bail and Clasp, Glass Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.3 (diameter) x 5.3 cm (total length) Weight: 5.08g Condition: Good antique condition, with normal signs of oxidation and wear. The gold-plated rotating bail is a later addition. Important Notes: "Antique jewelry" refers to pieces over 100 years old. Items under a century old are classified as vintage or second-hand jewelry. All jewelry sold by Xiangcheng Antique Jewelry comes with a brand guarantee certificate detailing the item's era, materials, and more. We offer a full refund if the item does not match the certificate description. Each item's condition is meticulously documented with photographic equipment before sale to ensure customers are fully aware of any imperfections or signs of wear. These photos form part of the product description. Therefore, please carefully assess your purchase intent before checkout. Once payment is completed, due to the unique nature of our products, we regret that returns or exchanges cannot be accepted for any reason, including minor flaws or normal wear and tear. We kindly ask that you reconfirm your purchase decision before finalizing your order to avoid any disputes. Shipping Information: Enjoy complimentary shipping on all orders to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. All orders within Taiwan will be shipped via Registered Post by Chunghwa Post. If registered mail is inconvenient, please specify store pickup (7-11 or FamilyMart) in your order and provide the store name or code. Orders to Hong Kong and Macau will be sent via SF Express.