A delightful pair of Victorian Posy holders attracted great interest at Lawrences Auctioneers in Crewkerne last week.
They were discovered at a property in Beaminster. Made in silver by William Neal of London in 1874, they were offered in identical leather cases.
“Originally made in the 18th Century to mask unpleasant smells, posy holders became a fashion accessory for young ladies to carry in the 19th Century,” says Simon Jones of Lawrences. “The delicate designs and fine craftsmanship make them very appealing to collectors and we notice that they often attract strong prices.”
Eager bidding on the day saw the holders reach £1400 and, as a neatly appropriate postscript, they were secured by a descendant of the original makers.
