City of Armadale - History House > Records

CHATELAINE

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c. 1800 - 1975

Overview

Silver filigree. Five ornate chains attached to central clip, scissors, two thimbles, needles and pins,one pencil, one retractable pen. Oval shield shows garden tools, flowers and hat.

Historical information

Family heirloom from the 1820s bought to Australia by Mrs Furness in c1913.
A chatelaine is a decorative belt clasp or hook that has a series of chains suspended from it. Often at the end of each of the chains is a useful household item. The word chatelaine derives from the French term, châtelaine, which means 'mistress of a chateau' who would have hung the keys for the château from her belt.
A version of the chatelaine's is thought have been worn as early as the 5th century B.C.E by the Samnite civilisation, located in south-central Italy. Soon women across the Roman Empire were wearing them often with ear scoops, nail cleaners and tweezers attached to the chains. By the 1800s the chatelaine often had the household keys attached to it and was worn by the 'senior' woman of the house. These keys were for not only the front door but also for pantries, storage containers, cupboards, chests and draws. The more keys often demonstrated the wealth and power of the household.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-33-AK1975.100

Material

Non Ferrous Metal

Inscriptions and markings

Various Secretaries

Keywords

ENGLAND

FURNESS Mrs L

Year

c. 1800 - 1975