How do I date a silver dressing table mirror?

Dating relies primarily on the hallmarks stamped into the metal mount, which indicate the assay office, the specific year of manufacture, and the silversmith's mark. Stylistic clues such as floral motifs, scrolling borders, or geometric enamel work also help assign pieces to the Victorian, Edwardian, or Art Deco eras. Examining the construction methods on the reverse, including the type of wood used for the backing or the style of the easel hinge, provides additional chronological context.

What is the difference between a strut mirror and an easel mirror?

In practice, both terms generally describe a tabletop mirror equipped with a hinged prop at the back to hold it upright. The distinction usually lies in regional terminology rather than a functional design difference. Both styles were standard additions to dressing tables and vanity sets throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

How were these mirrors used originally?

These mirrors formed an essential component of a lady's dressing table or vanity set, used daily for personal grooming, hairstyling, and applying cosmetics. Larger examples remained stationary on the dressing chest, while smaller matching hand mirrors and brush sets were kept alongside them. Wealthy households often displayed elaborate silver-mounted mirrors as part of a matched suite of dressing table accessories.

Are Art Deco mirrors different from Victorian ones?

Art Deco mirrors feature streamlined silhouettes, symmetrical geometric shapes, and vibrant guilloche enamel panels that reflect the modernism of the 1920s and 1930s. In contrast, Victorian examples lean heavily into ornate floral repousse work, Rococo scrolls, and figural motifs such as cherubs or birds. The materials also shifted over time, with chrome and coloured enamels joining traditional sterling silver and silver plate in later decades.