Antique Silver Tussie Mussie or Posey Holder Bridal Flowers Nosegay Collectible

Description

This is a very special piece called a tussie mussie or more commonly posey holder. As far back as medieval times, flowers were held to mask unpleasant odors. In the 1800s jewelry was fashioned and brooches that held flowers. As fabrics became more delicate, there was a need for carrying the flowers as opposed to pinning them on these expensive materials. So finger rings were developed so that a woman could carry her flowers and still have a free hand to hold her dress or climb in and out of carriages. What became interesting about this practice was the types of flowers that courters gave perspective mates. The flowers held secret messages by which ones were selected and the order in which they were placed. The ends of the flowers were wrapped in moss placed inside the cone and then the pin penetrates the bottom of the moss and travels east west through the cone. It screws in so that it stays in place in case the cone tips upside down. This would be a beautiful and romantic gift for a new bride. Measure 6 inches long. There are no hallmarks that we could find. We believe it to be silver but perhaps not sterling. It's in lovely condition with floral repousse and rose designs.