Any idea if this is worth hanging on to??

[ssheri72]

I have tried to find something on this piece for about a week now and have found nothing. I was wondering if this is something worth hanging on to? Thanks for any help.

[talesofthesevenseas]

I think what you have there is an art deco style money clip. It holds the money as shown in the example below, and the chain would give you a bit of added security from pickpockets, or to keep it from falling out of your pocket. I am guessing it originally had a clip of some type on the other end.

Are there any markings on the back side?

[waywardangler]

This looks to be a chatelaine but is missing the clip attachment at the end of the chain.  These were/are used by women to hold their pocket watch, keys, etc.  If it is sterling, then there is a definite value just in the silver content.  Beyond the raw material worth it looks like a nice vintage piece a watch collector might be interested in.

I forgot to add the wide part clips over a belt and the watch would be on the other end of the chain.  The clip for the watch is missing from the end of the chain.

[ssheri72]

Thank you for your replies. The only marking on the back reads "multiplate".

[waywardangler]

Multiplate probably means it is silverplated rather than sterling.  It is still of some value to a watch collector.

[ssheri72]

Thank you very much for your time and help, I appreciate it. I wasn't even close when guessing what it might be or finding information on it.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Isn't the style too art deco for it to be a chatelaine which would have been out of style by the art deco period?

If it is a chatelaine, these can sell for hundreds when they have all the goodies on them. Seperate chatelaine pieces are running about $30 - $50 on Ebay.

[waywardangler]

Tales, I may be using the term chatelaine loosely.  I use it for a ladies pocket watch chain w belt fastener for any time period.  You may be correct with the period use it is meant for.  Maybe I should have used ladies pocket watch chain instead as the chain looks to be too small of links for men?  It is not the type of chatelaine with multiple fasteners women used to hang a myriad of things from way back when so I stand corrected.

The value in this particular object that ssheri has, is as a watch chain, in my opinion.

[talesofthesevenseas]

I see where you were headed with that. Thanks for the clarification!

[KC]

Agree with the the later form of the chain (see reference to 1883).
http://www.langantiques.com/university/index.php/Chatelaine

Ya'll did good!!!!!  Impressive!

I still think that this could sell for anywhere from $100 - $200 depending on condition and material it is made from.  If the plate is in great shape could easily sell for $100.

Here's an example http://www.rubylane.com/shops/artfuleye/item/chatelaine

[ssheri72]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm impressed! I got no where by myself ! I appreicate it!

[waywardangler]

This one on etsy is very similar to yours and is listed at $37.50.  Also marked "superplate" on the back.  More views can be seen under the etsy listing (Listing # 33962248).  Etsy's site is at etsy.com

[KC]

These are course pristine condition values and no missing parts.

I need to clarify - if sterling silver $150+.  If platinum $150+

If silver plate with no plate ware/pristine $100 (could easily sell for $100 in the right auction) on ebay/local markets $45+.

If other material (not precious metal)  $30+. 

There is a large group of collectors out there.  This will only go up in value.  If you can...hold on to it!