Chatelaine

Contributed by Gunnersbury Park Museum

This consists of a decorative steel clip, which fits over the wearer's belt, and a group of metal chains from which hang keys, a scent bottle, penknife, pincushion, pencil holder and a notebook with ivory leaves. The French word "chatelaine" means "mistress of the castle" and this useful gadget was worn by the mistress of the house, or by the housekeeper, to carry all the keys and objects she might need around the home.

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