The Piece
A rectangular beveled-edge mirror produced by Kodas Picture Frames & Novelties, American, circa 1915. Crafted in solid wood—likely oak or gumwood—and finished in a dark mahogany or walnut varnish, the frame reflects the restrained elegance of early 20th-century design. The form bridges the late-Victorian and Arts & Crafts movements, with stepped molding and clean lines replacing ornate carving. The original mirror plate remains intact, showing gentle silvering and foxing that lend the surface an authentic antique character.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style:
Rectangular frame with a simple stepped profile and narrow inner bevel, embodying the transitional aesthetic of the 1910s—a move toward utility and honest craftsmanship. Its balanced proportions make it suitable for both portrait and full-length display, designed originally for domestic or commercial interiors such as hallways, dressing areas, or shop vestibules.
→ Material:
Solid hardwood, most likely oak or gumwood, stained in a warm reddish-brown mahogany tone and sealed with hand-rubbed varnish. The silvered glass retains its original reflective surface with mild oxidation and patina, consistent with mirrors produced in the 1910s.
→ Joinery:
Mitred corners reinforced with small nails or splines, a construction typical of factory-made frames of the period. A pressed brass label on the reverse—“KODAS PICTURE FRAMES & NOVELTIES”—confirms its authenticity and ties it to regional American manufacturers that supplied catalog houses and department stores in the Midwest and Northeast during the early 20th century.
History & Provenance
Dating to circa 1915, this mirror represents the evolution of American decorative manufacturing from handcrafted Victorian exuberance to simplified, accessible beauty. Companies like Kodas specialized in quality mass-produced frames for portraits, lithographs, and mirrors, selling through mail-order catalogs and department stores nationwide. Their work combined durable hardwoods, refined finishes, and emerging mechanized craftsmanship that defined middle-class domestic furnishing of the era.
Condition
Excellent antique condition with rich, original patina. The frame shows minor surface wear and age-appropriate finish variation, while the glass exhibits light silvering loss and subtle foxing, enhancing its early 20th-century authenticity. Structurally solid and ready for display.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Kodas Picture Frames & Novelties |
| Origin | United States |
| Year | Circa 1915 |
| Material | Solid hardwood (oak or gumwood) with original silvered glass |
| Finish | Dark mahogany/walnut varnish |
| Joinery | Mitred corners reinforced with splines |
| Form | Rectangular beveled mirror |
| Condition | Excellent antique condition; light age wear and silvering |
| Dimensions | Approx. 48–54” H × 16–18” W (est.) |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This 1915 Kodas mirror captures the beauty of simplicity and the integrity of early industrial craftsmanship. The dark, aged finish and softly oxidized glass radiate warmth and authenticity—an elegant accent for both modern and vintage spaces. Whether placed in an entryway, dressing room, or gallery wall, it offers not only reflection but also a quiet story of early 20th-century American artistry.