<I>Bouquet holder, oak leaf motif</I>

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with funnel vase and loop handle. The vase is formed with three layers. Each layer has oak leaves connected by balls and is separated by bands decorated with dots. There are five leaves in each layer which get progressively smaller as the vase tapers toward the base. At the center of one of the leaves on the top row is a hole for the floral pin. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure the flowers inside the holder. The pin is connected to the base of the vase by short length of round-link chain. A second length of chain is attached to a plain ring, which would allow the bouquet holder to be worn from the finger or on a chatelaine at the waist to free the lady's hands while dancing. Four petals attach to the handle, which is smooth and tubular and curves up to create a loop. This type of handle is sometimes referred to as a “rattail” or “spoon” handle.