Edwardian Sterling Silver Mounted Clothes or Hair Brush
Vanity Set (Hair/Clothes Brush) · Unknown English Silversmith (marks partially obscured). Likely a Birmingham or Sheffield trade manufacturer specialized in dressing table appointments.
Pattern: Classic Edwardian Plained-back or Repousse (pattern not visible on face; common trade pattern c. 1900s).
Type
Vanity Set (Hair/Clothes Brush)
Maker
Unknown English Silversmith (marks partially obscured). Likely a Birmingham or Sheffield trade manufacturer specialized in dressing table appointments.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) mount, wood base (likely satinwood or pearwood), and natural animal hair bristles (likely boar bristle).
Dimensions
Estimated 5-7 inches in length. Silver is a thin gauge 'casing' over a heavy wooden core; the silver weight alone is likely 15-30 grams.
Description
This is a quintessential example of an Edwardian sterling silver-mounted brush. While heavily tarnished, the piece retains its original natural bristles and wooden core. Such items were staples of the 'Dressing Table' culture of the early 1900s, where silver-backed brushes, mirrors, and jars were displayed as symbols of refinement and hygiene.
Key Features
Side-stamped hallmarks (unusual placement designed to not mar the decorative back), original natural bristles, and characteristic thin-gauge 'trade' silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) mount, wood base (likely satinwood or pearwood), and natural animal hair bristles (likely boar bristle).
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and tarnished surface. Typical period decoration would include a hammered finish or floral repousse on the reverse side, though only the side rim is visible.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible on the side rim: Lion Passant (English Sterling standard), Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office), and likely a date letter 'i' or similar in a shield. Maker's mark leftmost is rubbed.
Construction Details
Die-struck thin silver sheet formed to fit over a wooden block. The silver is held in place by small pins or by being crimped around the flared wooden base.
Functional Features
Natural bristles for grooming; the wooden core provides the necessary weight for brushing while the silver serves as a decorative luxury 'skin'.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral oval or rectangular grip formed by the silver-covered body; lacks a separate handle (indicative of a brush designed for suitcases or men's vanity sets).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured die-stamping used for the silver casing, with hand-assembly to fit the silver to the wooden component. Mark of a high-volume factory.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a clear Lion Passant and Anchor mark confirms British Sterling origin; wear patterns on the silver edges are consistent with hand-use over a century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Known as the 'City of a Thousand Trades,' it was the global hub for silver-mounted vanity items in the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Edwardian (1901-1910). The hallmark style and the use of thin-gauge silver over wood are quintessential for this era's mass-market luxury goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1908 based on the visible shield shape of the Birmingham hallmarks and general silhouette.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition from bespoke silversmithing to the industrialization of luxury goods, making sterling silver accessible to the middle class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant heavy black tarnish (oxidation), dirt accumulation in bristles, and potential 'push-in' dents in the thin silver mounting. Needs professional cleaning.
Value Estimate
Market value is low due to condition: $20-$45. If cleaned and part of a set, value increases significantly.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft silver cloth or Wright's Silver Cream. Do not submerge in water as it will rot the wooden core and loosen the bristles.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Silver Plate (EPNS) versions; however, the Lion Passant hallmark specifically distinguishes this as solid .925 silver.
Interesting Facts
In the Edwardian era, these brushes were often sold in 'Gentleman’s fitted cases' alongside razors and combs for travel on trains and steamships.