What defines an edwardian hand mirror?

An edwardian hand mirror is a handheld looking glass produced during the reign of Edward VII or the wider early twentieth century. These objects typically feature sterling silver frames, beaten copper, or polished wood. They served as functional items for the dressing table and often formed part of matching vanity sets with brushes and combs.

How do I clean a silver hand mirror?

Cleaning requires a soft microfibre cloth and a specialist silver polish, applied gently to avoid the mirror glass. Care must be taken around cemented handles to prevent moisture seeping inside the frame. Regular light dusting preserves the metal finish without stripping the natural patina built up over decades.

Were these mirrors made by hand?

Many examples display hand-hammered copper or embossed silver work executed by skilled silversmiths and metalworkers. Workshops utilised traditional hand tools to shape and decorate the metal frames. Some simpler pieces incorporated machine stamping, while others combined handmade metal mounts with turned wooden handles.

How can I date an edwardian hand mirror?

Dating relies on hallmarks stamped into the silver frame, which indicate the assay office, standard mark, and date letter for the specific year. Birmingham and London were common assay locations during this period. Stylistic markers such as Art Nouveau curves or Arts and Crafts hammering also help establish the decade of production.