Beveled Easel Mirror
ca. 1905–1930

Front
A thick, beveled mirror glass with a warm sparkle at the edges, now gently freckled with age-spotting and desilvering. Its reflection has softened over the decades, carrying with it the charm of countless mornings and evenings. The glass sits in a rolled brass (or brass-plated) channel frame with rounded corners — practical yet elegant.

Back
A sturdy wire easel stand, riveted to a small brass plate at the top, allows the mirror to rest upright on a vanity or washstand. The backer is wood or cardboard, wrapped in black paper or leatherette, a finish commonly found in early 20th-century household pieces.

Form & Function
Sized around 4 × 6 inches, this mirror was perfectly portable. It could sit on a lady’s dresser for arranging hair and jewelry, or on a gentleman’s bureau as a shaving mirror. Inexpensive and widely available, it was the kind of everyday object found in middle-class homes during the Edwardian and early Art Deco eras.

Why This Era
The beveled glass, brass frame, and wire triangle easel are tell-tale details of mirrors made before mid-century. Later designs favored hinged wooden backs or mass-produced chrome. This piece sits squarely in the transition between the ornate Victorian taste and the streamlined elegance of the 1920s–30s.

Condition
The frame has mellowed to a handsome patina with traces of oxidation. The mirror’s silver backing has foxed along the surface and edges, creating a soft, mottled look prized today as a sign of authenticity. The black paper back shows wear, and the wire stand has light rust but remains solid.

Care
Dust gently with a dry cloth. Clean only the front surface sparingly, avoiding the edges where liquid could seep into the fragile silver. Leave the back untouched, as that is where the reflective layer lies. The brass frame is best preserved with its natural patina; for added protection, a whisper of microcrystalline wax may be applied.