Victorian Style Sterling Silver Floral Repoussé Plateau Mirror
Hollowware / Vanity Mirror (Plateau or Table Mirror) · Unidentified Victorian-era silversmith, likely of American or British origin (suggestive of Gorham or S. Kirk & Sons in style)
Pattern: Elaborate Floral / Rococo Revival featuring roses, daisies, and acanthus leaf sprays
Type
Hollowware / Vanity Mirror (Plateau or Table Mirror)
Maker
Unidentified Victorian-era silversmith, likely of American or British origin (suggestive of Gorham or S. Kirk & Sons in style)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) frame, mirrored glass insert, likely wood or velvet-covered cardboard backing
Dimensions
Approximately 30-40cm in diameter; silver weight is secondary to the glass component but likely 200-400g of sheet silver
Description
A stunning example of Victorian opulence, this plateau mirror features a wide, pierced border of intertwined blossoms and foliage. The intricate metalwork creates a sense of movement and naturalistic detail, characteristic of the late 19th-century preference for 'horror vacui' design.
Key Features
Continuous floral garland, deep repoussé work, pierced openwork sections, and varying sizes of flower heads (roses and sunflowers/daisies)
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) frame, mirrored glass insert, likely wood or velvet-covered cardboard backing
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chased floral decoration with an antiqued or slightly oxidized finish to highlight the depth of the casting
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the photo; typically located on the outer edge of the frame or the small bracket feet. Likely contains a 'STERLING' or lion passant mark.
Construction Details
Stamped and chased silver sheet over a base framework; hand-finished solder joints and cast floral appliqués
Functional Features
Beveled mirror surface, easel-back support or small scroll feet for tabletop placement
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; features a structural silver frame edge designed to be gripped from the perimeter
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamped work with significant hand-chasing to provide the textured details on the petals and leaves
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Victorian floral density; wear patterns consistent with hand-polishing over decades; construction depth typical of 19th-century silver-smithing
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence or Baltimore) or United Kingdom (Birmingham)
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Rococo Revival (Late 19th Century, approx. 1880-1900)
Age Estimate
Circa 1890 based on the density of the floral motifs and high-relief chasing techniques
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' dining and vanity customs where mirrored surfaces were used to double the visual impact of wealth and candlelight within the home.
Condition Notes
Good overall; consistent heavy tarnish in the crevices of the flowers; some visible wear to the silver points; mirror glass appears clear but may have minor silvering loss at the edges
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD depending on maker identification and condition of the mirror glass
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush and Wright's Silver Cream; avoid getting liquid behind the mirror glass to prevent desilvering; store in a Pacific silvercloth wrap
Similar Pieces
Kirk Steiff Repoussé platters; Gorham 'Strasbourg' style vanity items; Unger Brothers Art Nouveau mirrors (which would be more fluid and less densely floral)
Interesting Facts
Plateau mirrors were often used as centerpieces for dining tables to reflect the light of candelabras and highlight the silver salt cellars placed upon them.