This is one of the sweetest book charms we've ever found! It's a rare vintage silver opening Charles Dickens book that has tiny paper pages inside with images of different characters. The characters include:
 
Captain Cuttle from Dombey & Son
Mr Pickwick from Pickwick Papers
Mark Tapley from Martin Chuzzlewit
Wackford Squeers from Nicholas Nickleby 
Sam Weller from Pickwick Papers
Mr Pecksniff from Martin Chuzzlewit
The Fat Boy from Pickwick Papers 
 
The cover of the book is made of silver and the pages inside are made of paper. The silver is not hallmarked but tested. Without hallmarks, it's hard to date exactly but from the research we've done we believe it's likely circa 1960s in age if not a little earlier. 
 
The book when closed measures approx 16.2mm tall by approx 17.5mm wide (including the fitting on the spine but not the jump ring) by approx 5mm  deep and weighs approx 2.3g.
 
Condition - The charm is in well loved vintage condition and does show signs of age and wear to both the silver and paper pages. The two silver covers are attached to the silver spine by what looks to be woven fabric inside. This is showing signs of wear and is very delicate. As the jump ring attaches on to the spine, there is movement to the spine and the fabric joins when worn so it would need to be worn with a lot of care to not damage this further.
 
We'd recommend very light, occasional wear or even display only if you'd like to preserve the condition it is currently in. It is more of a collectors charm than a wearable, every day piece of jewellery. The latch on the cover does click closed but as there is movement in the book it can open on its own. The jump ring is currently pushed closed. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the chain and box pictured are not included in the sale but the locket will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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