Victorian Style Floral Repoussé Sterling Silver Vanity Set
Vanity Set (Mirror, Brush, and Comb) · Unknown American or British Silversmith (Likely Gorham, Unger Bros, or Foster & Bailey). Based on the high-relief floral work and the 'c-scroll' edges, it follows the American Aesthetic or Edwardian tradition of vanity silversmithing.
Pattern: Generic Floral Repoussé with Daisies and Wildflowers; highly popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries across manufacturers like Wallace, Gorham, and international makers.
Type
Vanity Set (Mirror, Brush, and Comb)
Maker
Unknown American or British Silversmith (Likely Gorham, Unger Bros, or Foster & Bailey). Based on the high-relief floral work and the 'c-scroll' edges, it follows the American Aesthetic or Edwardian tradition of vanity silversmithing.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The handles of the brushes/mirrors are likely hollow-ware (filled with cement or pitch for stability), while the comb mount is a thin sterling overlay on a tortoise-shell colored celluloid or plastic base.
Dimensions
Standard vanity size: Mirror (approx. 9-11 inches), Brush (approx. 7-9 inches), Comb (approx. 7 inches). Weights are difficult to calculate as handles are weighted/filled.
Description
An elegant three-piece sterling silver vanity set featuring a hand brush, mirror, and comb. The set is decorated with a lush wildflower repoussé pattern on the handles, contrasted by fine bright-cut engraving on the flat silver panels. This set represents the height of Edwardian boudoir luxury, designed to be displayed on a vanity table as a functional art piece.
Key Features
High-relief repoussé floral handles; distinctive engine-turned border engraving; matching set continuity; hallmark location on the thin edge of the handles.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The handles of the brushes/mirrors are likely hollow-ware (filled with cement or pitch for stability), while the comb mount is a thin sterling overlay on a tortoise-shell colored celluloid or plastic base.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut engraving on the flat reflective surfaces and high-relief repoussé on the handles. Features include chased floral motifs (daisies/mums), fine engine-turned-style wavy borders, and leaf scroll decorative accents.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the side of the brush handles or the edge of the comb mount. Likely stamped 'STERLING' with a maker's mark (e.g., a lion, anchor, and G for Gorham, or a 'W' for Wallace).
Construction Details
Handles are die-struck or cast into two halves and soldered; the seams are visible upon close inspection. The floral designs are produced via machine-striking to mimic hand-chasing. The comb is an 'overlay' strip crimped over a separate comb body.
Functional Features
Hollow handles for balance; the comb features graduated teeth; the brushes once contained natural boar bristles (not fully visible) or early plastics; mirrors are held in by a seated bezel.
Handle & Grip Details
Full sterling silver hollow handles. Ergonomically tapered with a flared pommel end for ease of use during traditional grooming rituals.
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality die-striking with fine finishing work. The engraving is sharp, indicating the pieces were not over-polished during their lifetime.
Authentication Indicators
Correct wear patterns (rubbing on high points of flowers); oxidation in recesses; 'Sterling' stamp location; construction seams consistent with early 20th-century die-striking.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (New England silver-belt) or Birmingham, UK. American manufacturers specialized in these mass-produced but high-quality die-struck vanity items.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Edwardian (c. 1890-1915). This period emphasized the 'boudoir aesthetic,' where silver grooming tools were markers of femininity and social status.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the wildflower pattern and the style of the engraving on the flat silver surfaces.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' emphasis on presentation and ritualized grooming. Silver vanity sets were essential for a lady of means to maintain her appearance in the era before modern cosmetics.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Visible 'ping' dents (common in hollow-handled silver) on the mirror edges. The comb teeth appear intact. Light tarnish in the crevices of the flowers (patina) which enhances the depth of the details.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 for a complete 3-piece set in sterling. Value is heavily dictated by the condition of the mirror and the completeness of the set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream (Wright’s). Do not submerge handles in water, as the internal filler (pitch/cement) can degrade and the mirror silvering can fail.
Similar Pieces
Unger Bros 'Art Nouveau' sets (which feature faces/mythical creatures) or Tiffany & Co 'Chrysanthemum' sets (which are significantly heavier and more valuable).
Interesting Facts
Vanity sets were popular 'presentation' gifts for young women entering society or for brides, often remaining in families for generations as heirlooms.