Chatelaine, 1863 – 1885, probably England. Museum no. M.32:1 to 13-1969. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London Empty a woman's handbag inside out and you've got the right idea about the chatelaine. Before purses were a woman's primary accessory, this curious contraption that fell into the annals o

V&A curator Lucia Savi shares the five most significant handbags from the V&A’s Bags: Inside Out exhibition, from Sarah Jessica Parker’s Fendi Baguette and Jane Birkin’s first-ever Hermès Birkin and Margaret Thatcher’s handbag.

Authro Gail Carriger discusses the use of the chatelaine in Victorian history and for lady spies in her Finishing School series.

Both decorative and functional, chatelaines carried useful household objects primarily for the ease of having each tool at hand at all times.

Watch the video to see how it clips on . Handmade by me. This chatelain is different from the ones i’ve made that were belts. There is a clip super secured to the back. A thin rubber coating is on the back to make it smooth. Can be attached on a belt, at the neck, on a pocket. Can be used for decor as well. Please note that Etsy will sometimes overcharge for multiple items in your cart. I will always refund any extra shipping charges and mistakes the automatic shipping calculator has made…

Damascened in gold, 6 items, cut steel; England; 1830-40.