Chain clasp

A clasp for an ornamental chain, comprising a base member having a central portion to which end portions are joined, one end of said chain being permanently connected to an end portion, said central portion having an opening formed therein that defines a marginal edge, a portion of which is cut out to form a space, the portion of said marginal edge adjacent to said space defining a hook on which the other end of said chain is releasably received for interconnecting the other end of the chain to said base member, and a lock member pivotally connected to said base member at an end portion thereof, said lock member being pivotally movable from an open position, wherein the opening in said central portion and the space in the marginal portion thereof are exposed, to a closed position, wherein the lock member is locatable in overlying relation with respect to said opening in the base member and space formed in the marginal edge thereof for preventing exterior access to the space, and thereby locking the other end of said chain to said base member, the other end portion joined to said central portion having a slot formed therein that communicates with the opening in said central portion, the slot in the other end portion being exposed when said lock member is in the closed position to provide a space for interconnection of the other end of said chain therein, means formed on said lock member for positively locating said lock member in the closed position thereof, spaced shoulders formed on said other end portion adjacent to the slot formed therein, said lock member having a cam edge that is receivable between said shoulders when the lock member is moved to the closed position thereof, one of said shoulders projecting more inwardly toward the central portion of the base member than the other and forming a stop against which the cam edge is engaged in the closed position of the lock member and which prevents further pivotal movement of the lock member therebeyond.