RAREST! CRANBERRY GLASS & SILVER FILIGREE POSEY HOLDER If you like what you see, be sure to click here to add us to your Favorite Ebay Seller's List. We'll be sending out sale notices and special deals to our 'Favorites' customers. RAREST! Elegant 1830-50 Antique French porte-bouquet, posey holder, or 'tussie-mussie' (Bilgi will groan when I use that very American term - sorry Bilgi!). One of the most stunning of these ever, RARE as can be, and the more so in its original fitted domed leather Georgian to early Victorian era presentation case. Brooch style, it's actually long enough to be held in hand, if desired. Excellent condition. I write sometimes, when I offer a porte bouquet of special quality, about my 'accidental' visit to the Cognacq-Jay museum of Paris during the almost hidden exhibition of an astounding array of these charming Victorian era bouquet holders, and as a result, was pleasured by the inviation of the owner to a brunch in Paris in 2006. Bilgi and his charming wife, 'Becky' joined my dear friend, Alexandra O'Shea (Bonheur-du-Jour) and I for a lively conversation about his collection, the upcoming 2008 Barcelona exhibit, and the inappropriate term, 'tussie-mussie'. I'm hoping my listing will solicit an email from Bilgi, whom I did run into last month in Paris, quite by chance. But I digress. These are one of the most perfect examples of the frivolity and delightful era of Victorian excess, a particularly feminine accoutrement that defines an era, actually. Attention to detail, variety abounding, no 2 alike - these speak to the excesses of an age of uplifted society wealth, expansion of the industrialization of the Western World and Europe. The artisanship and resulting produce of the era of Grand Tour and industrial interaction between countries, the wealth and glamour of the era - lost for the most part in our thoroughly modern world. It's no wonder these gain so much attention, so much devotion from collectors. They are the quintessential tool of frivolity and excess that seem to define the era, don't you agree? A time when everyday tools were elevated to works of jeweler's art, such as sewing implements, dining flatware, etc., etc., Any item that could out-do the next found a ready market, as wealth and acquisitive customers poured forth in unprecidented number and greed. We trade almost entirely in the charming remainders of the period, and are continually amazed by the breadth and variety of pieces, say, for the carrying of a bunch of flowers. Delightful! This one is in excellent to pristine condition. Filagree and cranberry glass flute/ handle is unscathed by time - no chips or cracks, no breaks or restorations detected anywhere in this 150+ year old gem. I find no hallmarks, and can't confirm it is sterling, but it is silver and we're sure it's sterling filagree of finest quality and pristine condition. EXCELLENT! No chips, cracks or damage, this one is pristine! Image & Text Hosting by Ruby Lane Return Policy: We always honor a 3-day return on our items, and guarantee them to be as described. Money back, less shipping costs, which are not refundable, so ask questions if necessary. We're easy to deal with. Shipping and Handling Policy: Our shipping days are Tuesday and Friday, paid items will be shipped on the first shipping day after payment is recieved (except when special circumstances exist). We prefer to use USPS whenever possible, and require all packages to be insured. If you prefer another method of shipment, please mention it. We charge only actual expense of shipment/insurance, except in the case of larger items which must have special wood crates built. Wood crate charge, when applicable, is a flat $30.00 in addition to actual postage & insurance charges. Other Information: 7.75% sales tax applicable for shipments/sales within the state of California, no exceptions. If you are within CA and are a dealer buying for resale, you must provide us your active resale certificate # and acknowledgment of intent to resell or we will have to collect sales tax. No exceptions. Auction Payment Methods: We accept:: PayPal Visa/MC: our shop is a Verified Business account, BidPay.com (Visa, MC, Discover). Credit card payment by online service only, no direct processing. Personal Check, Money Order, See 'Other Information'.