Chatelaine

ca. 1880

Place madeEurope

Gold, ivory, silk

Overall: 15 x 2 5/8 x 1 in. ( 38.1 x 6.7 x 2.5 cm )

Gift of John B. Morris Jr.

1944.89a.1-5

According to the accession record, this chatelaine is one of two alike, which originally belonged to Mary Morris Stevens and Abby Weld Stevens, daughters of John Austin and Margaret Morris Stevens of Newport, Rhode Island.

ClassificationsJEWELRY

DescriptionIvory chatelaine with gold hardware and ornamentation; the obverse of the hook has a round finial with a horizontal bar framing the top of the shield shape, which is trimmed in gold around the outer edges, and has a oval medallion in relief at the center with a fleur de lis and rinceau wreath surrounding; four chains are suspended and there is an extra hook oriented upwards for an object with a bail; the longest chain is of oval chain links with a swivel catch at the end for keys; the remaining three chains are of hollow bar shaped links with three round beads at the center of each, linked together with small circular links and with swivel catches at the ends; one chain suspends a hollow round container housing a mechanical pencil / knife, another suspends a replica of the Bible with ornate avellan cross at the center and scrollwork at the corners, which closes with a snap fastener, the other suspends two circular discs with four fleur de lis with a flower at the center, and a handle-type bail, with velvet pincushion between.

Object NameChatelaine