Hazel Blake French Bracelet

Presented is a scarce Late Arts & Crafts period bracelet by Sandwich, Massachusetts jeweler Hazel Blake French. This bracelet is constructed of sterling and copper. The central plaque features an openwork border and applied copper seahorses and dots. The inscription on the front is "B. W. Porter / Waltham Mass. / Wal. 0706". The back reads "Moss IV / Int. O". (Moss and International are two classifications for blood type). The bracelet features copper and sterling links, and closes with a seahorse-embellished clasp.

Hazel Blake French, of whose work the Sandwich Glass Museum on Cape Cod mounted an exhibition in 2003, was a master craftswoman who created interesting silver jewelry, typically with bits of Sandwich Glass. This mixed metal bracelet is an unusual example of her work (perhaps it was a special commission from a customer). Several examples of French's jewelry, and a biography of her, can be found on the Sandwich Glass Museum's website. This is an enchanting Arts & Crafts bracelet.

This measures 7 1/2" long. Its condition is fair, showing signs of dailly use. T is wear on the surface and w the links connect, and t is one small break (shown) on the central plaque. Nevertheless this is still a great find as French's work practically never turns up on the market. This is signed with French's trademark (which is also pictured on the museum's website) of "HBF" surrounded by two fishes.