American Art Nouveau Repoussé Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Vanity Set / Hand Mirror · Likely Unger Brothers or Foster & Bailey. Unger Brothers (Newark, NJ) was the premier American maker of Art Nouveau silver vanity items, known for high-relief floral and figural designs with exceptional detail.
Pattern: Unidentified Art Nouveau Floral & Scroll Pattern. Typical of late 19th-century 'Girl with the Flowing Hair' or 'Narcissus' era designs. Likely a non-catalogued production piece from 1895-1910.
Type
Vanity Set / Hand Mirror
Maker
Likely Unger Brothers or Foster & Bailey. Unger Brothers (Newark, NJ) was the premier American maker of Art Nouveau silver vanity items, known for high-relief floral and figural designs with exceptional detail.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) casing over a non-silver core/padding with a beveled glass mirror. Total weight likely 300-450 grams, though the silver weight is a fraction of this due to the glass and internal assembly.
Dimensions
Approximately 9-10 inches in length and 4-5 inches in width at the mirror head. Mirrors of this era are typically heavy and balanced for use at a dressing table.
Description
This exquisite sterling silver hand mirror represents the height of American Art Nouveau vanity silver. The frame and handle are heavily decorated with a lush, three-dimensional repoussé floral pattern that seems to grow organically across the surface. The mirror itself features a beveled edge, adding a touch of luxury and light refraction common in fine antique vanity pieces. Such mirrors were the centerpiece of a lady's dressing table, often gifted as part of a larger 'dresser set' including brushes, combs, and powder jars.
Key Features
Signature Art Nouveau 'whiplash' curves, high-relief floral clusters on the handle base, and a beveled glass inset. The deep oxidation in the recessed areas provides high contrast that emphasizes the silver artistry.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) casing over a non-silver core/padding with a beveled glass mirror. Total weight likely 300-450 grams, though the silver weight is a fraction of this due to the glass and internal assembly.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing featuring flowing scrollwork, foliate motifs, and floral clusters. The style is classic Art Nouveau with whiplash curves and a move away from Victorian symmetry.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the side of the handle or the rim of the oval mirror. Expected marks include 'STERLING', a model number, and a manufacturer's logo (such as the 'UB' interlocked for Unger Bros or 'F&B' for Foster & Bailey).
Construction Details
The silver is die-struck or stamped from thin sterling sheets and then hand-chased for detail. It is a 'hollow-handle' construction where two halves of the silver casing are soldered together around a weighted interior and/or the mirror bezel.
Functional Features
Features a beveled glass mirror plate and a flared, ergonomic 'pistol-style' handle designed for a comfortable grip during use. The reverse (not visible) usually features a central cartouche for a monogram.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated sterling silver handle with continuous repoussé decoration. The handle is hollow and likely filled with a resin or plaster-like material to provide structural support and prevent denting.
Craftsmanship Details
The piece shows excellent die-work with deep pulls that give the illusion of hand-wrought repoussé. The handle join is well-disguised, reflecting the high manufacturing standards of the American silver boom.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the repoussé work and the specific style of the floral motifs are consistent with US manufacturers like Unger Bros. The wear on the high points of the silver is consistent with a century of use.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Newark, NJ or Providence, RI. These cities were the hubs of American silver manufacturing during the Gilded Age, specializing in high-quality vanity sets for the middle and upper classes.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). The fluid, organic lines and lack of rigid geometric structure are hallmark indicators of this brief but influential design movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The specific style of the floral scrolls and the use of beveled glass are characteristic of the turn of the century.
Cultural Significance
Hand mirrors were essential tools for the elaborate hairstyles of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They served as status symbols of femininity and grooming, reflecting the owner's taste and social standing.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is noticeable tarnish (sulfide buildup) in the recesses, which is desirable as it highlights the pattern. Minor edge wear and several small black 'foxing' spots on the mirror silvering are visible, which is standard for glass of this age.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD. Premium makers like Unger Bros or Tiffany can push prices higher, while significant glass damage or heavy denting can lower the value to the $75-100 range.
Care & Maintenance
Polish gently with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid submerging in water as it can seep behind the mirror glass and damage the silvering. Use a soft horsehair brush for the deep crevices.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' mirrors (higher value, more ornate), Gorham 'Martelé' (hand-hammered, significantly more valuable), or later Art Deco mirrors (more geometric, less floral).
Interesting Facts
Unger Brothers, a potential maker, was one of the first companies to mass-produce high-art designs using heavy presses, making the 'high-art' look of the Art Nouveau movement accessible to a broader audience.