Tool (for needlework) (Chatelaine)

Description

A chatelaine would have hung from the waist and was intended to be both decorative and practical. The small tools and accessories that might be incorporated usually included a watch, scissors, tweezers, magnifying glass, scent flask and miniature notebook or ivory writing tablet. This chatelaine, made by Tiffany & Co., represents the influence of Japanese metalwork on American jewelry by the third quarter of the nineteenth century. Silver, copper, and gold are brought together. The central plate has square projections on opposite sides, all framed with a molded edge and engraved with bright-cut ornament. Applied to the center is a circular disc with a pictorial scene of a small bird flying above a large flower blossom with multi-colored leaves made of applied silver, copper, and gold. The handle-like bar projection emanates from scalloped circle mounts. It is shaped into five right-angled segments that depend on three link chains, attached to a flat circular pincushion, an iron/steel penknife (blade is marked), and an ivory-leaved notebook. The electroplated gold notebook cover is engraved on the upper surface with the interlocked letters “MPF.” Originally belonging to Mary Pauline Foster du Pont, she likely purchased the chatelaine from Tiffany & Co.’s store in Union Square in Manhattan.