Unknown item - snaffle bit?

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Hi Stu, you are correct, the "key" is designed to rotate. But on the other hand it's heavy with 377 gram. It's approx. 42 cm long, see picture.

Regards,
Detlef

Hi Detlef,
So it is obviously too long (and heavy) to be a Fob Watch chain. If, as has been suggested, that it is some kind of necklace, why the necessity for the "revolving key"? It does not seem logical to me for the need of this even if something heavy was to be hung on it. I could be quite wrong here but that is just my thoughts.
Stu

[JoeCanada42]

Part of a fancy dog leash,
the rotating part so the dog cant twist the chain as to build up tension and snap it?
or a key chain collar for a well trained guard dog like in the movies..

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JoeCanada42

Part of a fancy dog leash,
the rotating part so the dog cant twist the chain as to build up tension and snap it?
or a key chain collar for a well trained guard dog like in the movies..

Thank you for your interesting thoughts!

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Detlef,
So it is obviously too long (and heavy) to be a Fob Watch chain. If, as has been suggested, that it is some kind of necklace, why the necessity for the "revolving key"? It does not seem logical to me for the need of this even if something heavy was to be hung on it. I could be quite wrong here but that is just my thoughts.
Stu

Hi Detlef,
Just another thought about this item.
It could (maybe) be a neck chain used by some well to do person for leading a horse or some other animal. The chain would go over the head and around the neck, unlike a snaffle bit which goes in the mouth. Then a halter is attached to the "key" to lead the animal. As has been said elsewhere, this item appears quite old so we may never know exactly what it was used for. Could possibly be of Middle Eastern origin???
Stu

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Detlef,
Just another thought about this item.
It could (maybe) be a neck chain used by some well to do person for leading a horse or some other animal. The chain would go over the head and around the neck, unlike a snaffle bit which goes in the mouth. Then a halter is attached to the "key" to lead the animal. As has been said elsewhere, this item appears quite old so we may never know exactly what it was used for. Could possibly be of Middle Eastern origin???
Stu

Another interesting view on it. This would make sense and would explain why the "key" can rotate. And yes, I also think that it could be of Middle Eastern origin. Thank you Stu for your thoughtful comment!

Regards,
Detlef

[Kmaddock]

I think it goes around the neck

A reason for the key to rotate could be you hang something on the "Key" and at different times you want to display different sides of the object.

Ie during a mass you show an image of Birth at start and then rotate to an image of Death at the end.

I have no idea by the way just throwing things out but I think it is to fragile for equine work or constraint.


Nice item though.

Ken

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Kmaddock

I think it goes around the neck

A reason for the key to rotate could be you hang something on the "Key" and at different times you want to display different sides of the object.

Ie during a mass you show an image of Birth at start and then rotate to an image of Death at the end.

I have no idea by the way just throwing things out but I think it is to fragile for equine work or constraint.


Nice item though.

Thank you Ken, interesting suggestion. I just received a mail from a friend who showed it to an antique dealer, he says that it could be a Jewish chain worn by a Rabbi or from Eastern Christians, he seems to be sure that it is a religious necklace.

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Detlef,

To me this looks like what is often referred to as a "Chain of Office" or a "Livery Collar," such as worn by government official or a Mayor of a city. There would be a medallion of some sort hanging from the central "key." These chains are quite long, hanging around the neck, resting on the shoulders and across the chest.

If you google "Chain of Office" you will see some very lavish examples in gold, etc. However, your example might be for a city councilor or a mayor is a small burg.

Cheers,

Ian


P.S. Are you sure it's brass and not gold?

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Detlef,

To me this looks like what is often referred to as a "Chain of Office" or a "Livery Collar," such as worn by government official or a Mayor of a city. There would be a medallion of some sort hanging from the central "key." These chains are quite long, hanging around the neck, resting on the shoulders and across the chest.

If you google "Chain of Office" you will see some very lavish examples in gold, etc. However, your example might be for a city councilor or a mayor is a small burg.

P.S. Are you sure it's brass and not gold?

Hi Ian,

Sorry for my late reply, I've overseen your reply. It seems that you have solved the mystery. Thank you very much! I have this necklace already long and never have known what it is, so I am very thankful!

Regards,
Detlef

PS: I am nearly sure that it isn't gold!