Chatelaine bags refer to bags suspended from a waistband by cord or chain, which were popular from the 1860s to the end of the 19th century. Chatelaines were worn by many housekeepers in the 19th century and in the 16th century Dutch Republic, where they were typically used as watch chains for the most wealthy.

What was the purpose of a chatelaine?

The chatelaine, a type of medieval keychain, is a decorative clasp or hook suspended from the waist, with one to twenty dangling chains which held mainly keys and small tools. Later trinkets, charms, watches, and other useful or decorative items were added.

What is chatelaine made of?

According to various sources, chatelaine jewelry was introduced in the 17^th century and was exceptionally popular in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. These chains were generally made of cut steel and included a button hook, a disk-shaped pin cushion, a folding corkscrew, and a steel thimble holder.