Here's an unusual antique pocket watch chain that dates back to 1880 and one of the most unique and scarce parts is the anti theft spiked acorn.  What a treasured heirloom!

In the Georgian and Victorian eras pocket watches were expensive and pick pockets were plentiful and someone came up with the brilliant idea of an encased spring loaded spike to deter theft.  In this case the deterrent was in the shape of an acorn, a relatively scarce deterrent.  
How the the spiked acorn works ...  the four spring-loaded spikes remain in place, concealed within the acorn, while the watch chain is worn or if the chain is pulled from the pocket slowly but if someone attempts to quickly pull the watch chain from the pocket by a pick pocket thief, those four sharp spikes emerge and would either catch within the pocket or clothing or harm/alarm the hand pulling at it making it harder to steal.

The high quality gold plated watch chain measures almost 16 1/2" (400mm) in length.

Starting at one end the parts are:

- a stirrup swivel gold fist hinged dog clasp - one would unscrew the little nut just above the clip to open or close it.  the tiny loop at the top of the fist has been repaired with a white/silver metal.  this section measures approximately 1 3/4".  the would be pocket watch would be secured within this dog clip

- the spiked acorn is placed just above the fist dog clip and measures approximately 1"

- the acorn is attached to the gold mesh link chain with a floral looking component

- the gold mesh chain measures approximately 11" long and just over 1/8" wide.  there is one area that is slightly kinked - not sure if that's how to describe it?

- at the other end of the mesh chain is a horse head component which measures approximately 1"

- and that connects to a swivel serpent snake hook that measures approximately 1 1/2" including the loop that does the swiveling

It's such an interesting piece of history, so well thought out and unique.
Please study the pictures carefully and ask any questions because antiques sales are final - non returnable/refundable