<I>Posy Holder, Grape Cluster & Leaf Motif</I>

ca.1871

Nickel silver(?)-plated copper bouquet holder with spade handle. The vase is comprised of two repeats of a grape and leaves pattern. The smooth surface of the grapes is off set by the textured leaves in the design. Near the top of the vase is a large hole for a floral pin. The pin would be used to pierce the stems of the bouquet to secure the flowers in the holder. The neck of the vase is stamped with wild foliate motifs atop two acanthus leaves. These leaves flank the join of the spade handle. has a short length of round-chain connecting a ring attached to it. 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 spade handle is in a Gothic Revival trefoil shape that incorporates acanthus leaves on the inner and outer surfaces, which was stamped in two parts.