Victorian Era Repoussé Sterling Silver Chatelaine Spectacle Case or Mirror Back
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (likely a Mirror Back or Watch Hutch) · Unknown manufacturer; possibly American (Gorham or Unger Bros style) or Continental (German/Dutch) based on the floral scroll motifs and production style.
Pattern: Unspecified Florid/Rococo Revival floral pattern, typical of late 19th-century commercial silver production.
Type
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (likely a Mirror Back or Watch Hutch)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; possibly American (Gorham or Unger Bros style) or Continental (German/Dutch) based on the floral scroll motifs and production style.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Silver. The attached chain suggests it may be a silver-plated base, but the deep relief is characteristic of solid silver repoussé work.
Dimensions
Estimated 3.5 to 4.5 inches in diameter. Weight estimated between 60 to 100 grams depending on whether it is a hollow shell or solid backed.
Description
An ornate, circular silver plaque featuring an explosive central floral motif. The piece utilizes high-relief repoussé to create a Three-dimensional effect, with deep oxidation in the recessed stippled areas to provide contrast. The scalloped border follows the flow of the exterior scrollwork, creating a dynamic, petal-like silhouette.
Key Features
Deeply recessed stippled background; six-petal central flower; integrated curb chain; scalloped 'cookie-cutter' edge profile.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Silver. The attached chain suggests it may be a silver-plated base, but the deep relief is characteristic of solid silver repoussé work.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing featuring a central multi-petal bloom surrounded by scrolling acanthus leaves and stippled (textured) backgrounds. Victorian Rococo Revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the image. Would typically be located on the reverse rim or the bail. Expected marks: 'STERLING' or a fineness decimal like '800'.
Construction Details
Die-struck or hand-chased repoussé (metal pushed from the back) with a scalloped edge. The attached curb chain suggests it was part of a larger assembly like a chatelaine or a neck pendant.
Functional Features
Scalloped edges for grip; suspension chain for attachment to a belt or bodice. If the back is hollow, it likely served as a cover for a small hand mirror.
Handle & Grip Details
Includes a small soldered silver curb chain; no rigid handle present, suggesting it was meant to be suspended or held as a compact flat object.
Craftsmanship Details
The symmetry of the scrolls indicates a high-quality die was used, but the crispness of the stippling Suggests significant manual chasing/finishing work.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the relief suggests a soft, high-quality silver alloy. Tool marks in the textured background indicate hand-finishing after a die-strike process.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Germany. The stippled background between scrolls is a hallmark of German Hanau silver or American 'Nouveau' manufacturers of the Northeast.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Art Nouveau Transition (c. 1885–1905). High Victorian decorative density combined with emerging organic floral motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1910 based on the shell-like scalloping and the specific floral center design.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian 'Horror Vacui' (fear of empty space) design philosophy where every surface of an object was decorated to signify luxury and industrial progress.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish (oxidation) in the crevices which enhances the design. Minor surface wear on the high points (the 'nose' of the flowers). No visible cracks or major dents.
Value Estimate
$150 – $350 USD depending on hallmark confirmation and whether it is solid sterling vs silver plate.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cream (like Wright's). Do not over-polish the recessed areas, as the dark oxidation provides necessary visual depth.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' mirrors; Unger Bros 'Love's Dream' compacts; German Hanau decorative dresser platters.
Interesting Facts
Items of this style were often given as 'Lady's accessories' and were intended to be seen as a display of wealth when hanging from a silver chatelaine belt.