The Art Nouveau jewellery era, which flourished from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, is characterised by its organic forms, flowing lines, and intricate designs inspired by nature. This movement emphasised craftsmanship and often featured motifs like flowers, leaves, and female figures, showcasing a harmonious blend of art and jewellery-making.

Presenting a wonderful piece from the Victorian/ArtNouveau era (1895-1915) this exquisite ornate ladies chatelaine is a cut above the rest!

Crafted from Sterling Silver with the centrepiece in typical Art Nouveau style and hallmarked fully for manufacture by H W Ashford & Co., Manufacturing Jewellers of Hylton Street Birmingham, date letter stamped for 1888 and also the Sovereigns head required to be used to denote the payment of duty by the silversmith to the Crown. It appears on all articles that were made between 1784 until 1890.

Dropping below are five superbly made oval belcher link chains ranging from 10cm to 16.5cm adorned with functional accessories, including a pair of incredible folding extendable scissors, a sovereign case, a needle case, a pocket tool with three functional implements and a stunning chatelaine pencil with working pencil!

Combining artistry with practicality this survivor from another century is perfect for the serious collectors who adore history and style.

STONES
None

MEASUREMENTS
Chatelaine head - 6cm x 5cm - Hook/arm to rear is 7cm
Chain length with dog clips -:
2 x 10cm
2 x 13cm
1 x 16.5cm

TOOLS
Pencil - 7cm
Multi pocket tool - 4.5cm
Sovereign case - Drop 4cm - case is 3cm round
Needle case - 4cm
Folding scissors - closed 6.5cm, open 7.5cm

ERA
Ranging from 1888 to 1912

WEIGHT
102 grams 

MARKS
Numerous marks and makers

Chatelaine is by H.W Ashford - Hylton Street Birmingham - Fully hallmarked as such with date letter ‘O’ for 1888 and sovereigns head

Sovereign case is by ‘EJH’ - For E J Houlston Caroline Street, Birmingham - Fully hallmarked with date letter ‘f’ for 1905

Pencil is stamped ‘E.B’ maker unknown - Fully hallmarked for Birmingham date letter ‘b’ for 1901

Needle case is by Francis Webb Pencil Case Works, Great Hampton Street, Birmingham - Fully hallmarked with date letter ’n’ for 1912

The extendable scissors are tested as Sterling Silver and marked to metal scissor with ‘Perry’ and ‘Patent’

CONDITION
Very good to excellent antique condition. Chatelaine arm is in perfect and strong condition, no issues.  No repairs to chatelaine, hallmarks very crisp and clear.  No thinning to five chatelaine chain drops, and no repairs.  All dog clips to chatelaine are original and matching, four are hallmarked ‘H.W.A’ for H.W. Ashford Birmingham, the fifth is identical  to the rest simply not hallmarked.

All tools work and function as intended with no faults or issues.  The large extendable scissors are a little blunt! but will cut paper.  

Sovereign case opens and closes perfectly, no dents, and spring bed works perfectly.

Pocket tool has three implements, all open and close well, little scissors also still cut.

 Some discolouration to the scissors, blade and button hook.  No issues overall, no repairs, simply gorgeous.