Antique 19th Century French Tussie-Mussie Posey Holder, Bouquet Holder with Ivory Handle
A charming remnant of mid-1800s France, this is a little hand held bouquet holder, often referred to as a tussie-mussie, or posy holder. "Porte bouquet" would be the proper French term. A small bouquet would be pulled together with short stems, bound and inserted into the flared pressed brass end, then the long pique run through it to hold it in place. Some had an additional chain with a ring attached so a young lady could hold it in palm but still dance at a ball, for instance. Very popular then and for collectors now, this is one of the simpler ones but in very nice condition. The bowl or vase which holds the flowers shows 3 pressed brass putti dancing, and seems to have once been coated with either silver plate or I see also remnants of gold plating. Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, complete and unbroken, no chips or breaks and still with the flower pick (pique) on chain. No hairlines or age shrinkage cracks on the old ivory h