Antique Victorian Rococo Gilt Silver Chatelaine Decoration, 1860

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We are delighted to offer this stunning antique solid silver gilt chatelaine made c.1860 likely in German or continental Europe. … Read more We are delighted to offer this stunning antique solid silver gilt chatelaine made c.1860 likely in German or continental Europe. With no space left unembellished, this chatelaine presents itself with exceptional splendour and extravagance, being fully gilt (gold on top of solid silver) and in Rococo fashion. The top section features a complex and ornate cartouche and meshwork of Rococo motifs with scrolls, foliate designs and a cherub in the centre. This chatelaine features five strands with each chain being most intricately decorated with additional Rococo links at intervals; a testament to its craftsmanship and ornate aesthetic design. The term 'chatelaine' originates from a French word meaning 'lady/mistress of a castle’ and in the 19th century referred to a decorative 'hook' which would attach to a belt in order to carry useful household items such as keys, scissors, sewing instruments, pocket watches or even a purse - in a sense, similar to the modern day Swiss Army Knife. In addition to its status symbol and ornamental charm, it would serve as a practical accoutrement as some women's gowns/dresses of the period would not have pockets. A tremendously elegant, opulent and creative solution of a bygone era, exemplary of how articles could both be utilitarian and artistic at the same time. Continental hallmarks are present on the reverse side on the clip with one of the marks indicating a French import weevil mark c.1860. See less