1890-1920 ca. Sterling Silver Chatelaine, England. Center Medallion With Portraits, three drops of monogrammed mesh purse, globe-shaped watch and book-shaped case. Via Augusta Auctions – augusta-auction.com

Definition

• The word Chatelaine is French and means the keeper of the keys
• Chatelaine” derives from the Latin word for castle
• In Medieval times, the chatelaine was in charge of the day-to-day running of the castle.

What did a chatelaine do?

• Most important task was keeper of the keys.
• Also ordered supplies, did bookkeeping, supervised servants, taught castle children, and organized guests.

• Castle keepers needed keys safe, yet easily accessible.
• By 1700’s, a metal jeweled ornament hung from pockets, attached to belts, or by hooks into skirt waistbands
• During 1800’s, women wore large collections of tools hung from chains
• Young girls sewed and did needlework and needed to carry sewing notions eg scissors, thimbles

What were chatelaines used for?

• Worn by women of all classes, from workers to nobility
• Varied depending on class and finances.

• Made of silver, brass, steel, leather, or fabric
• During 19th century, fashionable dresses often had no waist and nowhere to hang chatelaines
• Chatelaines became decorative brooches
• Often given as a wedding present from a husband to bride
• Later became fashion accessories