Victorian Style Repousse Sterling Silver Hair Brush
Vanity Set (Hair Brush) · Likely American (e.g., Unger Bros, Foster & Bailey, or Gorham), characterized by high-relief repousse work common in late 19th-century silversmithing.
Pattern: Generic 'Rococo Revival' Floral and Scroll pattern; closely resembles Art Nouveau floral themes of the 1890s.
Type
Vanity Set (Hair Brush)
Maker
Likely American (e.g., Unger Bros, Foster & Bailey, or Gorham), characterized by high-relief repousse work common in late 19th-century silversmithing.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) casing over a natural bristle block; the handle is likely hollow or pitch-filled.
Dimensions
Estimated length 8-10 inches; handle width 1.5 inches; weight is difficult to assess as the silver is a thin shell over a brush insert.
Description
A classic example of turn-of-the-century vanity silver, this hair brush features an ornate, high-relief design of swirling leaves and flowers. The darkened patina in the recesses emphasizes the dramatic depth of the silver-work, framing a smooth heart-shaped cartouche at the top of the head. It is a quintessential Victorian lady's dressing table accessory.
Key Features
Floral repousse design; heart-shaped monogram field; heavy tarnish patina; classic waisted handle shape.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) casing over a natural bristle block; the handle is likely hollow or pitch-filled.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repousse with floral, acanthus leaf, and scroll motifs; heavily oxidized/patinated to highlight the design depth; featuring a central heart-shaped cartouche for monograms.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks (partially obscured) would include 'Sterling', a model number, and a maker's mark (e.g., the Unger Bros 'UB' interlaced logo or Gorham's lion-anchor-G).
Construction Details
Die-struck and chased shell construction; two silver halves soldered together over a internal core or frame containing the bristles.
Functional Features
Ergonomic shaped handle; hair-grooming bristles; central cartouche designed for personalized engraving.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow sterling silver handle with tapered grip; integrated into the brush head shell with a visible solder seam along the side.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine die-stamped shell with hand-finishing/chasing; evidence of seam soldering; high-quality Victorian manufacturing meant to look hand-wrought.
Authentication Indicators
The depth of the relief and the specific 'cloudiness' of the tarnish are consistent with aged sterling silver rather than silver plate; wear patterns on the handle consistent with long-term use.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States or England; likely a mass-produced luxury item from a factory-based silversmith workshop.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Art Nouveau (c. 1890-1910); identified by the dense, scrolling floral ornamentation and romantic cartouche.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1905; based on the specific style of 'Art Nouveau' floral repousse popular at the turn of the century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' emphasis on ornate personal grooming rituals and the domestic display of wealth through daily-use silver objects.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; significant heavy tarnish/oxidation; visible denting and wear to the high points of the silver; apparent separation or repair needed near the handle-head junction.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 (individual brush); value is primarily in the sterling scrap weight plus a small premium for the pattern, unless by a highly collectible maker like Tiffany.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a high-quality silver cream using a soft cloth; avoid immersing in water to prevent damage to the bristle block glue; use a soft toothbrush for crevices.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' vanity pieces (higher value); silver-plated variants by Meriden (lower silver value, often heavier base metal).
Interesting Facts
Unger Bros, a leading maker of such items, was famous for their 'Love's Dream' and 'Cymric' patterns which used similar high-relief techniques to create romanticized imagery.