Victorian Cast Floral Repoussé Sterling Silver Mounted Table Mirror
Vanity Set / Picture Frame · Unmarked or American Manufacturer (style resembles Gorham or Unger Brothers)
Pattern: Naturalistic Floral & Foliage Pattern
Type
Vanity Set / Picture Frame
Maker
Unmarked or American Manufacturer (style resembles Gorham or Unger Brothers)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on glass mirror with wood or velvet backing
Dimensions
Estimated 25cm to 35cm in height; mirror weight is mostly glass/backing with thin silver veneer
Description
A stunning example of turn-of-the-century vanity silver, this mirror features a dense 'garden' of silver blooms including roses and lilies. The silver is worked in high relief to create a textural border that captures light from multiple angles, framing the reflective glass in a luxurious botanical wreath.
Key Features
Continuous floral border, high-relief casting, beveled mirror glass, and period-correct oxidized patina
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay on glass mirror with wood or velvet backing
Finish & Decoration
Naturalistic cast elements with high-relief repoussé, oxidized recesses to enhance floral depth, featuring roses and blooming daisies
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'Sterling' or '925' on the lower edge or reverse bezel (not visible in image)
Construction Details
Die-stamped or cast silver sheet sections soldered to a internal frame edge; hand-finished chasing to define petals
Functional Features
Beveled glass mirror with easel-back stand and velvet-lined rear panel
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Table-standing design with adjustable rear strut
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamping with selective hand-tooling to sharpen the floral edges; excellent symmetry in the repeating floral patterns
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement on the bottom rim, weight of the silver vs. backing, typical Victorian soldering marks at corners
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Newark, NJ (USA) or Birmingham (England) traditional silver workshops
Era & Period
Victorian / Art Nouveau Transition (c. 1880-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1905 based on the organic flowing floral motifs
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gilded Age' obsession with personal vanity objects and the democratization of luxury silver items via industrial die-stamping
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; light tarnish in crevices; minor silver oxidation; glass appears clear without desilvering
Value Estimate
$300 - $850 USD depending on size, maker marks, and condition of the glass/backing
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft horsehair brush to remove dust from crevices; avoid liquid dips that may seep behind the glass; use Wright's Silver Cream on a cloth for high points only
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Chrysanthemum' mirrors or Gorham 'Martelé' (though Martelé is hand-hammered and significantly more expensive)
Interesting Facts
During the late 19th century, matching mirrors like these were often part of 12-piece 'toilet sets' that included brushes and jars