Vintage Early Credit Card Holder Key Chain

This item is a vintage charge plate holder keychain, also known as a "Charga-Plate" holder. These items were designed to hold early, small metal credit cards (which were literally called "charge plates") used by department stores and hotels primarily from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Details
Purpose: The hinged, gold-toned case was used to protect and carry an early form of a credit card, which was an embossed metal plate used to imprint a customer's name and address onto a sales slip.
Design: The holder features decorative floral and leaf embellishments, clear and pinkish-orange rhinestones, and pearls on the front. It has an attached chain and keyring, indicating it was a personal accessory designed to be carried easily.
Historical Context: The term "charge plate" is a trademark of the Farrington Manufacturing Company. These were precursors to modern credit cards, providing a form of store credit for specific retailers.
This piece is a decorative example of early credit history and can