Repousse Silver Mirror Frame
These repousse silver mirror frame examples offer decorative metalwork from the Victorian, Edwardian, and later periods.
Repousse Silver Mirror Frame
A repousse silver mirror frame brings decorative metalwork into domestic spaces, appearing across various forms including wall mirrors and dressing table mirrors.
The selections here span the Victorian and Edwardian eras alongside mid-century pieces, showing both English and continental influences.
How they were made
Artisans formed these pieces by hammering and chasing sheet silver and metal from the reverse side to raise ornamental designs in relief.
Wooden backs, velvet linings, and glass mirror plates were fitted to support the delicate metalwork frames.
Repousse Silver Mirror Frame Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for repousse silver mirror frame among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Periods represented stretch from the nineteenth century through the 1950s.
What varies in quality
Depth and crispness in the chased metalwork distinguish finer examples from simpler production, particularly where animals, birds, or botanical motifs appear.
The structural integrity of the backing materials and the preservation of the original glass mirror plate influence the overall character of each piece.
Henry Matthews
The Repousse Silver Mirror Frame Glossary
- Repousse
- A metalworking technique where the design is hammered into relief from the reverse side. This creates raised ornamentation across the surface of the frame.
- Sterling silver
- A silver alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver by mass. It provides the bright reflective quality seen in many traditional mirror frames.
- Easel mirror
- A freestanding mirror supported by a hinged leg at the back. These pieces typically sit upon dressing tables or sideboards.
- Dutch style
- A design aesthetic referencing seventeenth-century Netherlands ornamentation. It often incorporates scrolling foliage and deep relief work.
Repousse Silver Mirror Frame: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repousse silver mirror frame?
These items are decorative looking glasses encased in metal frames worked in relief.
They encompass wall mirrors and tabletop easel formats from various eras.
How do I date a silver mirror frame?
Dating relies on assay office hallmarks, style indicators, and construction methods.
Victorian pieces often feature distinct maker marks and registration numbers.
Where were these mirror frames used?
They served as functional dressing table accessories and decorative wall ornaments.
Boudoirs and hallways frequently accommodated these reflective metal pieces.
How do I care for antique silver frames?
Gentle dusting preserves the raised metalwork without abrading the chased surface.
Avoid harsh chemical polishes that can damage the underlying relief.