Serving utensil - .800 silver - 1819–1838 - Chatelaine Holder

Rare French Silver Chatelaine Holder – Restoration Period – France, ca. 1819–1838

An elegant and rare French solid silver chatelaine holder (porte-objets) dating from the Restoration period, approximately 1819–1838.

Designed to be suspended from a lady's chatelaine or decorative waist chain, this refined accessory served as a central attachment from which various personal implements—such as sewing tools, keys, scissors, a thimble holder, watch key, pencil or small personal accessories—could be hung. Chatelaines were both practical and fashionable accessories, widely worn by elegant ladies during the first half of the 19th century.

The holder is beautifully crafted with a distinctive heart-shaped engraved cartouche, symbolising affection and devotion, complemented by finely hand-engraved geometric and radiating decorative motifs typical of the French Restoration style. The original suspension ring and sliding attachment remain intact.

The piece bears the original French silver hallmarks:

Head of Socrates, second standard (800/1000 silver), used between 1819 and 1838.
Head of Hercules guarantee mark, confirming official French assay.
Original diamond-shaped maker's mark, now partially worn and no longer fully legible.
Engraved owner's initials "M.G."

Dimensions
Length: approximately 9.5 cm
Width: approximately 1.5 cm
Height: approximately 1 cm
Weight: approximately 25 g

Condition

Good antique condition, displaying normal wear and surface scratches consistent with approximately 200 years of age. The engraved decoration remains attractive, while the maker's mark is partially worn due to age and use. The original suspension ring and mechanism are present. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

An uncommon survivor from the French Restoration period, illustrating the elegance and practicality of early 19th-century personal accessories. Such silver chatelaine fittings are increasingly sought after by collectors of antique silver, sewing antiques and historic costume accessories.

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