ABUNDANT GOLD PLATED CHATELAINE * FIVE ORIGINAL CHAINS AND TOOLS * CA 1880

Description

An impressive chatelaine, made of gilded base metal.
The chatelaine has five original chains and five original matching appendages: a tape measure, needle case, scissor sheath with original scissors, thimble bucket and pin cushion in the form of a book. All are decorated with pansies, scrolls and leaves.
The waist plaque and two smaller plaques underneath are lavishly decorated with animals in stark contrast to the lovely flowers on the sewing tools. The largest plaque has a lion rampant, holding a shield (still vacant), amidst two dangerous basilisks. A basilisk is a legendary reptile, reputed to be a serpent king, who can cause death with a single glance. In the ornate bottom layer of this plaque you can spot two tiny birds, maybe parrots.
The second plaque has Archangel Michael slaying Satan as a dragon with a long sword.
The smallest plaque has a tiny lion rampant holding a vacant shield.
The scissors are original to this chatelaine. The scissors sheath, pincushion and thimble bucket are lined with the original deep blue velvet. Most probably this chatelaine is made in England, about 1880. The thimble is French: it has the hallmark of Pierre Lenain, a famous French silversmith. It is marked with his lozenge shaped mark and the mark for silver made in France after 1838, a boars head.
The thimble is is excellent condition, as is the tape measure. The tape is missing, but this can eventually be replaced. The winding mechanism functions excellently. The needle case, scissor scabbard, thimble bucket are excellent as well. The scissors are still sharp.
The five chains have open filigree designs and spring clips at the ends.
One of the thirteen parts of the chains has been soldered.
A second one has a repair of an iron wire, but it's barely noticeable.
The scissors doesn't close to their tips. That's all the damage to be noticed.
The total length of the chatelaine is 12 ". The weight is 157 grams.
It has a large hinged clip on the back to go over a belt or waistband.
THIS EXTRAORDINARY CHATELAINE IS OFFERED WITHOUT A RESERVE PRICE.
The price for shipment by the Dutch post worldwide, outside Europe, includes track&trace, with "adult signature required" and insurance. That price is 27 $.
Shipment within Europe with track&trace, with "adult signature required" and insurance is 17 $.