Continental Solid Silver Filigree Tussie Mussie, Mid-Nineteenth Century

The origins of the tussie mussie occurred in the medieval times.  The portable floral arrangement was meant to keep the nose happy or gay.  It arrived in this country with the colonists, who referred to them as tussie mussies.  The English preferred the term of nosegay.   Queen Victoria's reign popularized tussie mussies as messengers of affection.  Each sprig of aromatic herbs or flowers was chosen for its meaning according to the language of flowers.  According to the Society of American Florists, the following flowers communicate the following meanings: Amaryllis – dramatic Apple Blossom – promise Azalea – abundance     Baby’s Breath – festivity Black Eyed Susan – encouragement Camellia – graciousness Daffodil – chivalry Daisy – innocence          Gardenia – joy Heather – solitude Hibiscus – delicate beauty Hyacinth – sincerity Hydrangea – perseverance Iris – inspiration Ivy – fidelity Jasmine – grace and elegance Lily (Stargazer) - ambition Marigold – desire for riches Orange Blossom - fertility  Orchid – delicate beauty Pansy – loving thoughts Peony - healing Rose (Red) – passionate love Snapdragon - presumptuous Sunflower - adoration Sweet Pea - shyness Violet - faithfulness Wisteria - steadfastness The removal of the ring at the pinnacle of the cone liberates three legs, allowing the arrangement to be displayed on a table top. Measurements 6 1/4" length. 1 1/4" top diameter. 1.93 troy ounces.