Antique Silver Porte-Bouquet

Circa 1870, likely Continental, unmarked, the bouquet holder featuring a charming design of a squirrel clambering up a branch, the hollow handle is engraved "Rose," retaining original finger ring and bouquet pin attached to the body with a chains. Presented in the original satin lined case.

6 in.; Case 6 1/2 in.

.75 troy oz.

In the Victorian era, tussie-mussies (also called nosegays) were small, hand-held bouquets carried by fashionable women to social events such as dinners, concerts, and balls. They were often displayed in specialized bouquet holders (porte-bouquets or bouquetiers) designed to keep the flowers fresh and to protect gloves and clothing from staining. Under the era's "language of flowers," the blooms chosen could convey various meanings and sentiments.

A near identical porte-bouquet is in the collection of the Musée National Des Beaux-Arts du Quebec (1967.162).

Good estate condition.