Impressive Cast Iron and Gilded Dresser Mirror with Acanthus Leaf Design

Collectibles : Vanity Items : Decorative Arts : Desk Accessories

 

Here's an Impressive Victorian Art Nouveau gilded metal frame with the original beveled mirror. Scrolled acanthus leaves in beautiful detail make up the 11" by 16" frame which is supported by a pivoting leg on the back. The mirror measures 7" by 9" and is contained by a solid frame. Note the small rhinestones in each corner. It sits at about 20 degrees and the total side width is about 6".

The only marking is a molded-in "1-90" on the top back. It is most certainly American and the materials and lovely design tells us that it was made at the beginning of the Art Nouveau period which 'officially' dates from 1880 to 1916.

The cast iron frame is in excellent condition with virtually no loss or discoloration of the gilt plating. It is not shiny (and never was) but more a lustrous matte or 'old gold' finish. The main picture shows this best. Typically, the mirror has not fared as well as the frame. There are 2 chips along the top edge, several light scratches on the surface of the glass and dots and spots on the silvered surface. It is retained by 6 nail-like fasteners and these have cause some silver loss on the contact points. Perhaps this had a protective backing at one time but there is no evidence of this. The mirror is completely usable as is but, of course, could be replaced with new or with your favorite ancestor's photograph.

Item ID: GM-001093