Chatelaines were worn by many housekeepers in the 19th century. A chatelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain is mounted with useful household appendages such as scissors, thimbles, watches, keys, smelling salts, and household seals.
The chatelaine was also used as a woman's keychain in the 19th century to show the status of women in a wealthy household. The woman with the keys to all the many desks, chest of drawers, food hampers, pantries, storage containers, and many other locked cabinets was "the woman of the household". As such, she was the one who would direct the servants, housemaids, cooks and delivery servicemen and would open or lock the access to the valuables of the house, possessing total authority over who had access to what. Frequently, this hostess was the senior woman of the house. (Wikipedia)
This is a very unusual piece that would have a wide variety of uses. It could be used as a bodkin for threading elastic, cord, ribbon, trim etc. It could be used to help fasten jewelry or pick up tiny items. It could also be used for holding flies or lures while attaching fishing line. The possibilities are endless!
Measures approximately 3" long with a ring for attaching to a chain. Antique condition as shown. Appears to be Gold Plated (GP)
See photos.