Chatelaine: MAR.M.289 & A-G-1912

Maker(s)

Maker: Unknown

Entities

• Chatelaine
• chatelaine with etui and two thimble cases

Categories

• Objets de vertu

Description

Gilt metal chatelaine with etui and two thimble cases, embossed and chased with rococo decoration

Gilt metal, cast, embossed and chased. The chatelaine comprises three hinged sections; the uppermost with a long spatulate hook; the central one comprising 13 small linked plaques; the lowest with openwork scrolls either side of a swivel loop. Suspended from the top section are two thimble cases (A & B) with hinged lids. One case contains a thimble (C). Suspended from the lowest section is a shaped triangular etui (D) oval in section, with hinged lid and sprung button clasp. The fitted interior contains a pair of steel scissors (E), a folding knife (F), a silver spoon (G), an earpick/pair of tweezers (H), a pencil case (I) and a pair of ivory memorandum leaves hinged with a gilt button (J). (There are cavities for two more tools, which are missing.) The cast chatelaine is chased with a basket of flowers, the small plaques are chased with a lion and crowns; the embossed etui is chased with two panel containing female figures in contemporary dress within borders of masks, scrolls and rocaille decoration; the thimble cases are similarly decorated.

Notes

History note: Unknown before C.B. Marlay

Legal notes

C.B. Marlay Bequest

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1912-06-18) by Marlay, Charles Brinsley

Dating

3rd quarter 18th Century
George III
Production date: circa AD 1760

School or Style

Rococo