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

ca.1830-1920

Silver bouquet holder with grapes and a spoon handle. The vase is formed by three repeats of grape cluster and leaves design above partial stampings of the same pattern. In the uppermost section of leaves is a large hole for the insertion of the floral pin. The pin would be inserted through the vase to pierce the stems of a bouquet in order to secure them inside the holder. It is connected to the bouquet holder by a short length of chain with round links at the base of the vase where it meets the handle. A second fragment of the same chain is missing the ring it would have linked to the holder. The ring 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. The handle 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.