Featured Does anyone know what this is? Asian silver watch chain?

hi, I am trying to figure out what this item is. If you think I should post the question in the silver forum, I will.

This item was completely black. I cleaned it to find any markings I could. I originally thought it was some kind of watch chain. There fish is beautiful but I can’t figure out what that part of the item is used for. There are 2 marks on the item, Asian (I think) characters. One set on back of Fish end, other set on triangle piece at other end. I’m hoping for a clue from someone in this group. Thank you very much!

 

Full view

 

Full size is better for all photos.

 

How long? Is the ring solid or open in some way?

 

Can we see a picture of the part attached to the fish?

 

Thanks, first time posting and not proficient yet.

 

Welcome, Molly. You're doing way better than many first timers. Is this also some kind of writing or miscellaneous scratches? It's just past the tail of the fish:

 

Yes, there does seem to be a few letters but completely illegible to me

Took another photo, maybe not letters

 

The connection between fish and rest of chain is the only disappointment, it seems to have been replaced and not well done

 

The marks appear to be Chinese silver marks,the lines at the end of the tail could be something else but they are covered with solder.

 

The elongated open cut links in the chain are typical of decor on Chinese grooming/smokers tools attached to chinese "chatelaines".
The triangles at each end of the chain make it look 1920s Occidental style.
I think Chinese (as the marks tell the story), custom made for a foreigner in the 1920s, maybe for attaching a purse to a belt.

 

Maybe @Asian Fever can help with the marks?

 

What a neat looking thing, @molly2kit !

 

I can see my super wearing this on his belt with the big bunch of keys he carries around.

 

It is an amazing item! The fish is beautifully crafted and the chain part is gorgeous too!

 

It is beautiful, molly.
I'm with kyra, a Chinese silver Western style chatelaine with a Chinese fish dcoration for wealth. May have been made for a lady of a household in HongKong ca 1890-1900.