Originating in the 17th century as a device for suspending seals, by the late 18th century the chatelaine had evolved to become a major item of jewellery, worn from the waist, to which a variety of small implements, cases, and containers could be attached.

It took the form of a metal shield or plate fitted with a hook at the top to attach it to a belt, with a number of hooks at the bottom from which hung a number of short chains.

The objects attached to those chains covered the full gamut of household and personal activities and depending on the station of the wearer, could typically include about 4 to 6 from the following selection: sewing scissors, a scent bottle, keys, a spectacles case, a seal, a sovereign case, a vinaigrette, a vesta case, a pin holder, a snuff bottle, a tape measure, a thimble and a notebook more...

15 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Chinese silver chatelaine on jade ring 5 various tool attached…

Chinese Silver Chatelaine with Jade Ring and Five Attached Tools

Chinese silver chatelaine on jade ring 5 various tool attached to floral centrepiece. Silver untested

Two Chinese export silver Chatelaines, Qing Dynasty, 19th…

Two Chinese export silver Chatelaines, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, the unmarked (X-ray tested .950 silver) repousse hollow-form silver chatelaines, comprising one of a vase of flowers, suspended with chains and bells. Length 15 cm and smaller. Length 15…

19th century Chinese silver opium chatelaine, with mid 19th…

19th century Chinese silver opium chatelaine, with mid 19th century Queen Victoria six pence coin suspending three implements, below a belcher link chain, total length 32 cm

Chinese silver opium chatelaine, with cicada themed hook set…

Chinese silver opium chatelaine, with cicada themed hook set above a bird and foliate framework suspending various appendages including tweezers, total drop 21 cm, 8.5 cm width

An antique Chinese silver gentleman's chatelaine grooming set,…

Qing Dynasty Chatelaine Grooming Set with Monkey Face

An antique Chinese silver gentleman's chatelaine grooming set, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. Comprising of an earpick, nail pick and tweezers hung from a long silver chain adorned with rosettes and a monkey face representing high rank and fertility. 34 cm…

Chinese 19th century export silver chatelaine belt set with a…

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Chatelaine Belt Set

Chinese 19th century export silver chatelaine belt set with a series of united panels displaying figures, birds, flowering trees and fruit. Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins

Chinese 20th century pendant spectacle case and spectacles, the…

Chinese Pendant Spectacle Case and Oversized Spectacles

Chinese 20th century pendant spectacle case and spectacles, the case decorated with script in Peking knot on a blue ground, with a set of folding spectacles of oversized form (2). Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins Published: Genevieve Cummins &…

Special Tibetan late 19th century purse and strap, the purse of…

Tibetan Silver Purse and Strap

Special Tibetan late 19th century purse and strap, the purse of boat form, accented with silver mounts displaying birds and foliage with coral and turquoise cabochons, suspended from leather strap, length 35 cm. Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins…

Chinese 19th century chatelaine ornament, set with butterfly…

Butterfly Chatelaine with Keys and Objects

Chinese 19th century chatelaine ornament, set with butterfly pendant with hanging keys and objects. Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins

Chinese Qing Dynasty, late 19th century silver opium chatelaine,…

Opium Chatelaine with Citron and Peach Decoration

Chinese Qing Dynasty, late 19th century silver opium chatelaine, decorated with a peach and finger of buddha citron, with chain and hanging opium tools, length 35 cm. Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins Published: Genevieve Cummins & Nerylla…

Tibetan late 19th century silver openwork needle case, of…

Tibetan Silver Needle Case with Openwork Motifs

Tibetan late 19th century silver openwork needle case, of tapering form, decorated with pierced scroll and endless knot motifs, length 10.5 cm. Provenance: collection of Genevieve Cummins Published: Genevieve Cummins & Nerylla Taunton, Chatelaines:…

Good vintage Chinese silver chatelaine seven piece chatelaine,…

Antique Chinese Silver Chatelaine with Seven Pieces

Good vintage Chinese silver chatelaine seven piece chatelaine, including powder compact, pocket knife, perfume bottle, and note pad, circa 1880s.

A vintage Chinese silver opium tool chatelaine, the decorative…

Chinese Silver Opium Chatelaine with Fish Links and Tools

A vintage Chinese silver opium tool chatelaine, the decorative chain links with fish highlights, fine various tools suspended. Length 38 cm.

A Chinese silver opium chatelaine, circa 1900

Chinese Opium Chatelaine, 1900

A Chinese silver opium chatelaine, circa 1900

Chinese silver chatelaine. Suspended instruments and charms

Chinese Silver Chatelaine with Charms and Instruments

Chinese silver chatelaine. Suspended instruments and charms