Antique Victorian Cut Steel Beaded Chatelaine Purse with Silver Clip

A beautiful antique cut steel beaded black velvet chatelaine purse with an ornate silver toned clip or hook. The bag has a bowed velvet drawstring and is fully lined with a heavy weight satin.

The bag front is adorned with an ornate braid and beaded medallion that is finished with long steel beaded fringe. The top clip is designed to hang from a belt or waist band.

Dates to the early 1900s. Unmarked.

MEASUREMENTS: Bag itself is 6" tall (10-1/4" with clip and fringe) x 5 inches wide. Clip is 2" x 1-1/4".

It is in very good condition considering its age. The chatelaine bag itself is excellent. Remarkably no wear to the velvet bag or lining. There are some missing beaded fringe strands and a few of the cut steel beads show light surface rust.

HISTORIQUE: Inspired by Victorian necessity, chatelaines functioned as a beautiful and prestigious way to securely carry important household items like keys, scissors, a small knife, coin purse and often a watch. They were used by both men and women and usually fastened to belt or pocket. They were often jewelry like rather than purses or pouches and designed to hang items from.

The word chatelaine is derived from a word meaning the keeper of a castle, thus the person entrusted with the keys. During the 18th century, chatelaines were particularly popular.