Victorian Posie Holders

Over the years our mother collected Victorian Posie Holders.   These holders were used in the Victorian Era, when no proper lady went out strolling without a little nose gay.  Some of the streets (and the people) were a little foul smelling and you would want something sweet, fragrant and pretty to hold to your nose.  Once our mum learned of this wonderful custom she would save her pennies until she had enough to purchase another one to add to the collection.  Most of the holders came from England.  They came in a variety of metals from pewter, to silver, to ivory handled and more. 

The pin in the photo above would be used to hold the flower stems in place.  Stems would be wrapped in moist moss so they would stay fresh for the day.   The ring would be worn on your finger which would allow you to drop the holder and keep your hands free to shop the market or to dance.

This Tussie Mussie, or nosegay, holder is Nancy's inheritance.  She found that lovely embroidered hankie to go with it.   More photos of our tussie mussie holders tomorrow and for more samples on Tussie Mussie holders and more history on Tussie Mussies and the Victorian Era refer to this blog post from last year.