Asked on Oct 21, 2016
Does anyone know what this is and what it is used for?
by
Lynn
+68
This is an old piece I got from my mom and she said it has been in the family for centuries but she has no idea what it is either. Would love to know. Thanks
The pin comes out of the hollowed out silver trumpet.
60 answers
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Is it a candle extinguisher?
Les12808001
on Oct 21, 2016
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How tall is it?
Michelle Wolcott-Mattice
on Oct 21, 2016
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is the pin made of magnesium could be a fire starter for a fire place?
Michael
on Oct 21, 2016
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used to move hot logs or coal in fireplace or stove??? send better pictures---looks small -- maybe a damper pull??
Laurie
on Oct 21, 2016
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Damper pull?
Norma Freeman Lake
on Oct 21, 2016
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Hair piece ?
Dave
on Oct 21, 2016
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candle snuffer?
Diana
on Oct 21, 2016
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don't know but get a Sears Catalogue Vintage Edition and see if it's there. Also ask your elderly relatives what kind of work they or their parents were involved with - might be a clue. Good Luck!
Alice
on Oct 21, 2016
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The chain and round link its attached to are not centuries old - what remains looks like a candle snuffer
Joyce
on Oct 21, 2016
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Ruddy mussy, holds a flower bouquet
Betty Bobo
on Oct 21, 2016
- See 1 previous
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yes, it's a tussy-mussie. I have one in silver. It is pictured upside down.
Anna Warner-Riggin
on Oct 21, 2016
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I do agree with the person above. The chain and pin are not original. However, if you turn the 'trumpet' over you will find that at one time it was used on funeral carriages to hold flowers. If it is truely silver then you have a possession of a truely unique era. Hope this helps. It's a shame you don't have both of them.
Becky Renfrow-Freeze
on Oct 21, 2016
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Tussy-Mussy to hold a small bouquet of flowers. Hands hold the slender end.
Joan
on Oct 21, 2016
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Abby Bell
Beverly Johnson
on Oct 21, 2016
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Well, I learned something new today. Thanks hometalk.
Rc Shoe
on Oct 21, 2016
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I agree, Tussy-Mussy for holding flowers. It is of the Victorian era and the person who said the ring and chain are not original is right. I'd have it appraised.
Robin Czaikowski
on Oct 22, 2016
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Don't know
Sherry
on Oct 22, 2016
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A posey holder
ELIZABETH
on Oct 22, 2016
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I agree with Elizabeth...posey holder.
Elaine753
on Oct 22, 2016
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Candle snuffer?
Mary Higby
on Oct 22, 2016
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I'd like to see a picture of a Posey.
Armada157
on Oct 22, 2016
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Google posey holder or tussie mussie... Elizabeth is exactly right!
Melbrooks
on Oct 22, 2016
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Definitely a posey/bouquet holder
Melanie
on Oct 22, 2016
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Candle snuffer
Michael Blazek
on Oct 22, 2016
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It's a tussie mussie holder and it's for nosegay of small flowers, and then you put the pin back in and it holds the flowers in place. They are Victorian
Bbrettingham
on Oct 22, 2016
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This is a Tussy Mussy. It is an old one and here are some pictures of others.
Belinda O'Neal
on Oct 22, 2016
- See 2 previous
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http://weddings.about.com/cs/glossary/g/Tussy... This is the link for info on Tussy Mussy. The original chain must have broken at some point, and replaced with the newer one. The pin was used to keep the flower in the holder.
Deanna Nassar
on Oct 22, 2016
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Don't know
Crystal Jordan
on Oct 22, 2016
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Candle sniffer
Mike
on Oct 22, 2016
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It's a handle for making small flower bunches called tussie mussies. Or bride bouquets
Sandi Dickson Bjorkman
on Oct 22, 2016
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Jacquienina Thank you for your answer
Armada157
on Oct 22, 2016
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Tissue Missie. Holds flowers.
Ellie Smith
on Oct 22, 2016
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here is a modern version of a "Tussie Mussie" (Google it) on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/128458705/victor...
Sus
on Oct 22, 2016
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That dogtag holder & chain do not look centuries old.
Bet10692550
on Oct 22, 2016
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Candle snuffer.
Linda Martin
on Oct 22, 2016
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It is a Tussy-Mussy thank you very much. Greatly appreciate it.
Lynn
on Oct 22, 2016
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Candle snuffer - pull and hold the pin to lower it over the flam, then replace the pin and set on mantle as decorative. Chain and attachment ring not old.
Hazel Gully
on Oct 22, 2016
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A Tussy-Mussy is one of the most useful wedding accessories and is used to hold a bridal bouquet more easily as well as the bridesmaids bouquets. There are many different styles. Those with the loop/ring on the end are of the English variety.
Jpsiskos
on Oct 22, 2016
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Oh, and the pin is to help secure the flowers in place. You should search for a number (if this is silver) and or date inside.
Jpsiskos
on Oct 22, 2016
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Here is one on ebay that looks very similar - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vintage-Silve...
August
on Oct 22, 2016
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Snuffer for lanterns
Jennifer
on Oct 22, 2016
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This is a bouquet flower sconce. The stems are put right down in the sconce then the pin is inserted to keep them in place. The ring is to trail a piece of ribbon or a bow. Nice little artifact.
Susan Dahlseide
on Oct 23, 2016
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These were worn in the days before proper hygiene was discovered: when people didn't washed regularly, and garbage and sewage were thrown into the streets and rivers. One would put fresh flowers or herbs in the tussy-mussy to have handy to put to your nose to help ameliorate foul odors.
Chris Keating-Ingelse
on Oct 23, 2016
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A candle snuffer
Dinah
on Oct 23, 2016
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Yessssw
Sandi Dickson Bjorkman
on Oct 23, 2016
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May be, I have something similar, it is to hold the end of. Leg of lamb or a leg of whatever and so you can carve it
Lars Brok
on Oct 23, 2016
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looks like a candle snuff
Elizabeth
on Oct 23, 2016
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I wish I could help you but this is funny. It's like the game to tell the truth. Good luck and keep us posted when you find out what it really is. :)
Barb
on Oct 23, 2016
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A Tussie Mussie. Nosegay holder. This is a bouquet holder used in the Nineteenth century. They are used now for brides that want a vintage feel to their ceremony.
Lesa
on Oct 24, 2016
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It's a tussie-mussie :)
Kristi K
on Oct 24, 2016
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I agree with Elizabeth, looks like a candle (a tapered candle?) snuff.
Chi8761909
on Oct 24, 2016
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If you enlarge it, it says "the pin comes out of the silver trumpet"
Rjg6502525
on Oct 24, 2016
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candle snuffer
Stacey W
on Oct 25, 2016
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Candle snuffer
Julieann Thornton
on Oct 25, 2016
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It is a 'Tussie Mussie'. If you google it you will see hundreds of pictures of very similar items. Yours could be a bit broken, broach pin set up broken/missing. the chain ran to a button to catch the tussie mussie just in case something happened with the pin.
Cwh6899259
on Oct 25, 2016
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Victorian tussie mussie bouquet holder.
Traci Kamfonik-Thompson
on Oct 25, 2016
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I saw a picture of one of these and its a candle snuffer; the chain attached to its matching candlestick.
Chi8761909
on Oct 25, 2016
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I am not sure , but it looks like the latest and greatest smart phone.
Armada157
on Oct 26, 2016
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Thanks, Neva Dew
Armada157
on Oct 27, 2016
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Having been a florist, yes, it is a tussie mussie. Generally used in place of a corsage for the Mother of the Bride or Groom to carry on the day of the wedding.. They are usually made of silver.
Diane Blank
on Oct 31, 2016
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