A forgotten item

An outline of the research on historical watch chains

Abstract

The article is devoted to the areas of research on historical watch chains, the basis of which is a unique collection of watch chains displayed in the Regional Museum of the Limanowa Region. The complex and so far unexplored issues of the symbolism of watch-chains in museum collections require careful study, thanks to which it will be possible to fully prove  that these are objects that constitute important determinants of semiotic changes in material culture. Even the preliminary analysis of the available sources and a few studies indicate the need to verify the existing definition. It also signals the need for in-depth studies on the relationship between the typology, function and meaning of foreign watch chains in various historical periods and the development of culture, thanks to which it will be possible to develop an innovative research approach to jewellery and material culture. The basis for this is the assumption that watch chains, like no other everyday jewellery became not only a showcase, a hallmark, an expression of attitudes and values, but also a talisman of the owner.