Beveled Easel Mirror Edwardian to early Art Deco (1905–1930)
Viridian Eclection
The Mirror
A small beveled easel mirror of the Edwardian to early Art Deco period. The glass is thick and beveled, with a warm sparkle held at the edges, and it is now gently freckled with age spotting and desilvering.
The reflection has softened over the decades, carrying with it the character of countless mornings and evenings. The glass sits in a rolled brass, or brass plated, channel frame with rounded corners, a treatment that is practical and elegant at once.
The reverse carries a sturdy wire easel stand, riveted to a small brass plate at the top, which 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 twentieth century household pieces.
History & Provenance
Sized at around four by six inches, the mirror was made to be 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 is the kind of everyday object found in middle class homes during the Edwardian and early Art Deco eras.
The beveled glass, the brass frame and the wire triangle easel are tell tale details of mirrors made before mid century. Later designs favored hinged wooden backs or mass produced chrome, so the dating rests on these construction details rather than on any mark.
The piece sits squarely in the transition between the ornate Victorian taste and the streamlined elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, which places it in the range of about 1905 to 1930.
Product Details
| Era | ca. 1905 to 1930, Edwardian to early Art Deco |
| Form | Beveled easel mirror with wire triangle stand |
| Materials | Beveled mirror glass, rolled brass or brass plated channel frame, wood or cardboard backer wrapped in black paper or leatherette, wire easel on a riveted brass plate |
| Maker | Unmarked. Attribution to period rests on idiom and construction |
| Dimensions | Approximately 4 by 6 inches. Exact measurements to be confirmed |
| Condition | The frame has mellowed to a handsome patina with traces of oxidation. The silver backing has foxed along the surface and edges, giving a soft mottled look prized as a sign of authenticity. The black paper back shows wear. The wire stand has light rust but remains solid |
| Care | Dust gently with a dry cloth. Clean only the front surface, and 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 is best kept with its natural patina, and a whisper of microcrystalline wax may be applied for protection |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
A mirror at this scale does quiet work. It belongs on a vanity, a washstand or a dressing table, where it can be picked up and set down, and where the foxed glass reads as depth rather than as damage.
The brass has the color that only time gives it, and against cream paint, dark wood or a marble top it warms a surface without adding bulk.
Dealers and designers reach for pieces like this because they are the small true notes of a period room. It also stands well on a stack of books or in a bathroom vignette, anywhere a little Edwardian glass is wanted.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
