Tussie Mussie Posey Posy Holder with Enamel Handle Large Red Stones (#J1320)

• COMPOSITION : Silverplate
• TYPE : Tussie Mussie
• STYLE : Victorian
• AGE : 1850-1899

The term tussie mussie dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria who was fond of carrying these little floral bouquets wherever she went. When carrying them caught the eye of the wealthy and middle class, holders were copied and mass produced. The tussie mussies and the decorative posy holders they were held in became a popular fashion accessory in Victorian times for young ladies to hold flowers brought by courting gentlemen callers. They were a popular gift and carried by matrons, debutantes, and girls. By the 1830s, using decorative holders to contain these small bouquets became an established fashion trend. The posy holders were created to keep delicate and expensive silk dresses and other pieces of clothing protected from water droplets when wearing a tussie mussie. The floral bouquet was pinned into the holder, and then for a formal occasion would be suspended from her hand using a chain so that she was free to dance. A "tussie" is a nosegay, a small group of flowers held together in a little bouquet and that was held at nose level, and "mussie" refers to the moss that was moistened and put around the stems of the flowers to keep them from wilting.


Tussie Mussie Posey Posy Holder with Enamel Handle Large Red Stones (#J1320)


A striking gilt bronze tussie mussie with four large red glass/paste stones. The handle is enameled in turquoise and white with silver and gold leaf. The enamel has a repair. The tussie measures 4 3/4" long and has the attached pin and ring. It dates from the 1860-80s. Enchanting! Please note: Two of the red stones are loose.


SKU#J1320.


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