Understanding Watch Chain Stamps: What Does '1910' Mean?

Question
I have a pocket watch chain from my grandfather who was born in 1876.  On the end of the chain is a small square with the mark stamped "1910."  Is this the date or does it relate to the gold in the chain?

Thank you.

Answer
Dear Rosemarie,

Over the years I have seen many watch chains and a variety of stampings. If the small tag is a part of the chain, that is, attached solidly to it an not attached with a loop of metal, there is a good chance of it signifying the manufacturing date of the chain. The mark 1910 is most certainly not to do with the quality of the metal.  Standards for showing metal quality have developed and have improved since that early date but this does not fit any of the metal markings with which I am familiar. Many old watch chains are gold filled or are a heavy gold overlay with the base metal being a brass material. Only a test by a jeweler will confirm if the chain is karat gold or overlaid with karat gold.

Look for markings such as 20year, gf and others for metal quality. Also look for greenish corrosion which generally means brass is the base metal.  Clasps are often stamped but there is no way to be certain the clasp is the original and of the same metal as the chain body.  I highly suggest you have a jeweler do a simple acid or electronic test to determine if the chain is indeed gold.  At that point, one of the Internet sellers of vintage pocket watches and watch chains may be contacted for more information.

Rosemarie, thanks for this question. Sorry there is not enough information for me to tell you more.
God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.