Set of six toilet instruments on a chain, called a chatelaine, probably English, 18th century

Known as a chatelaine, these five instruments for personal hygiene (and an animal foot) hang from silver chains – the animal foot may have been carried for good luck or to protect against illness. Chatelaines were worn on belts by wealthier men and women and could have a variety of items attached to them including pencils, watches, needles and corkscrews. Chatelaines are said to represent large bunches of keys carried by ladies in charge of large houses. These ladies were also known as ‘chatelaines’.