Victorian parcel-gilt silver posy holder

This fine and beautiful example of a Victorian parcel-gilt (partly gilded) posy holder - also known as a "tussie-mussie" in the US - is made in silver with bead pattern mounts and a frosted finish with gold plated highlights. The cornet shape has three fluted legs that fold flush to the body for hand holding and that are released by pulling the bead at the bottom that activates the spring mechanism.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries they were romanticised as a fashion accessory for young ladies to hold the flowers brought by courting gentleman callers. To show her acceptance of him, she skewered the flowers into the posy holder with a long pin and wore the holder to a ball. Attached to her hand by a chain and a ring, it swung free while they danced.

Edward Stockwell was known for making finely crafted collectibles and this is a very good example of his work.