Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie Value Guide

The Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie is a quintessential Victorian accessory used to carry 'talking bouquets' that communicated secret messages through the language of flowers. These ornate, cone-shaped handheld vases became essential fashion staples for high-society ladies attending balls and social events in the United Kingdom between 1880 and 1910.

What Is Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie Worth?

The typical price range for Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie is $700 - $770 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence and condition of original accessories, such as the finger ring, safety chain, and moss-securing pin, significantly impact the $700-$770 price range.
• Intricacy of the silverwork, including repoussé patterns, filigree, or engraving, with more detailed craftsmanship commanding higher prices.
• Provenance and maker's marks, as pieces from renowned UK silversmiths of the late 19th century are more highly sought after by collectors.
• Overall structural integrity, specifically looking for dents in the cone or repairs to the delicate chain links.

How to Identify Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie?

• Look for British sterling silver hallmarks, typically including the lion passant, a town mark, and a date letter corresponding to the 1880-1910 period.
• Examine the handle for a finger ring and safety chain, which were standard features to prevent the vase from being dropped during dances.
• Check for a small pin on a chain used to pierce the flower stems and secure the bouquet inside the silver cone.
• Verify the construction is solid sterling silver rather than silver plate, often indicated by the weight and specific maker's marks.

History of Sterling Silver Tussie-Mussie

Popularized during the Victorian era, tussie-mussies were more than just flower holders; they were used to carry 'talking bouquets' where the specific flowers chosen communicated secret messages based on the language of flowers. They became fashion staples for ladies attending balls and social events in the 19th century.