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In the days when your pockets were buried under layers of cumbersome fabric (if you had pockets at all), women took a more fashionable approach to keeping their daily tools and necessities quickly accessible -- by wearing a chatelaine!
A more aesthetically pleasing take on today's Swiss Army Knife, a chatelaine is a decorative hook that is worn over a belt or waist sash. Dangling from the hook are a series of chains suspending varied household tools. From watches and keys to scissors and pencils, what a wearer would attach to their chatelaine varied depending on the occasion as well as their overall daily life needs.
Chatelaines can range in style from simple to ornate; decorative to utilitarian.
Although they have been worn and utilized since Medieval times, chatelaines saw a fashion resurgence in the latter half of the 19th century thanks in part to Princess Alexandra of Wales (Queen Victoria's daughter-in-law) and her fondness for wearing one.
This highly decorative and intricate piece is most likely French. It is crafted in silver-plated brass with exquisite filigree work and is decorated with a faux Persian turquoise glass centerpiece.
While this piece is striking from the front, all of the magic happen in the back!
The back of the round filigree medallion flips up to reveal a mirror to check oneself while powdering your nose.
Hidden within the gorgeous Art Nouveau butterfly would have been a tiny glass vial for perfume. Unfortunately, the vile has been lost to time, but the chain holding the original glass stopper is still attached. You may be able to replace the vial with a modern one.
While we don't think it was the original intention of the piece, someone has utilized the filigree work as a pin holder and has placed three pearl topped pins inside.
Chatelaine hooks to the waistband with an attached clip. We think this piece also would make an amazing dress or collar clip. Who says you have to wear a chatelaine at your waist?
Additional Details
Date: 1890s-1900s
Materials: Brass, Glass
Measurements: 5 1/2" x 2 5/8"
Markings: None
Condition: Good
Silver plating has worn off throughout revealing the underlying brass. It looks as though the butterfly may have been enameled at one point, but has since worn off. The perfume bottle is missing and the mirror is in poor condition but still usable.
Clean gently with warm water and soap. Dry thoroughly.
