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...

14 items found:

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

A silver plate, orange glass seal top propelling pencil & two…

Silver Plate & Orange Glass Propelling Pencils with Chatelaine Loops

A silver plate, orange glass seal top propelling pencil & two matching propelling pencils with chatelaine Loops, length 7-10 cm

Three silver plate propelling pencils, two with chatelaine…

Silver Propelling Pencils with Chatelaine Loops

Three silver plate propelling pencils, two with chatelaine Loops, length 6.5-8 cm

Decorative early silver plate chatelaine comprising a card case…

Silver Plate Chatelaine with Stone Inlays

Decorative early silver plate chatelaine comprising a card case and lidded box, each with inset decorative stones, on a chain with connecting ring.

Antique silver plate chatelaine chain, with attachments of…

Antique Chatelaine Chain with Mechanical Pencil and Aide-Memoire

Antique silver plate chatelaine chain, with attachments of mechanical pencil, aide-memoire, etc.

A 19th century silver plate chatelaine pocket watch, the ornate…

Ornate French Silver Pocket Watch on Chatelaine Belt Hook

A 19th century silver plate chatelaine pocket watch, the ornate watch cover contains a French silver pocket watch, the enamel dial with Roman numerals, the holder attached to an ornate silver plate chatelaine belt hook.

A 19th century French chatelaine etui, the silver plate and…

French Chatelaine Etui with Sewing Accessories

A 19th century French chatelaine etui, the silver plate and leather etui containing various sewing and personal accessories, attached to a steel chain with chatelaine belt hook.

Vintage silver plated chatelaine

Silver Plated Chatelaine - Vintage

Vintage silver plated chatelaine

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

1880 Silver Plated Chatelaine

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

1880 Silver Plated Chatelaine

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

Two silver plated chatelaine clasps.

Silver Plated Chatelaine Clasps Set

Two silver plated chatelaine clasps.

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

1880 Silver Plated Chatelaine

A silver plated chatelaine, circa 1880.

Two chatelaine pencil holders, one gilt metal, one silver…

Gilt and Silver Chatelaine Pencil Holders

Two chatelaine pencil holders, one gilt metal, one silver plated.

A Victorian silver chatelaine, clasp of open scrollwork design…

Victorian Silver Chatelaine with Accessories

A Victorian silver chatelaine, clasp of open scrollwork design suspending five chains terminating with a needle case, a snuff bottle, a pocket knife, a thimble box (containing thimble) and hinged cover, a scissor sheath and a pair of scissors; Cornelius…