This chatelaine is made from pinchbeck, a copper and zinc allow designed to resemble gold. Chatelaines were usually worn by women, and were designed to carry small and useful items such as watches and scissors. This example is hung with a small flask for holding perfume or a thimble; a long case for holding a pencil; and an etui, or small case for holding other items. The etui contains a folding knife, spoon, pin and folding scissors.
The chatelaine is covered with decorative scenes which have been worked into the metal with a combination of chasing - working the surface of the metal with a tool - and repoussé, where the metal is pushed from behind. On the surface of the etui there are pastoral scenes: a woman holding a sheaf of wheat on the front, and a shepherd playing a lyre on the reverse.
