Florsheim Shoe Advertising Mirror, c. 1933–1942 — Art Deco Hardwood Counter Display with Original Plaque

The Piece

A rare early–mid Art Deco Florsheim Shoe advertising mirror, c. 1933–1942, crafted in richly toned hardwood with a striking stepped silhouette and warm gilt edge detailing. The sculptural crest carries the original applied plaque reading “The Florsheim Shoe,” giving the piece that unmistakable pre-war retail presence—handsome, functional, and quietly luxurious. Designed to sit on a shop counter or fitting bench, it doubles today as a characterful accent for an office, bar, dressing area, or retail display.

Design & Construction

→ Form & Style:
Angular, stepped frame with shouldered sides and a projecting top crest; flat plate-glass mirror set within a molded surround; all raised on a tiered plinth base for stability. The geometry and restrained ornament are textbook early Art Deco—clean lines softened by gilt accents and a carved crest.

→ Material:
Solid and veneered hardwood (mahogany/birch tone) with hand-applied gilt edging; original (or period) silvered glass showing light, honest age. Brass/steel screws and shop-made joinery on the reverse with twin braces and a molded base—construction typical of small-batch fixture makers serving national brands in the 1930s.

→ Mark:
Original applied wooden plaque with serif lettering: “The Florsheim Shoe.”

Dimensions (approx.)
Height ~20" × Width ~24" × Depth (base) ~7"
(Glad to update once exact measurements are confirmed.)

History & Provenance

Produced for Florsheim, the Chicago footwear house founded in 1892, during the brand’s robust pre-war retail expansion. From the early 1930s until WWII material restrictions, Florsheim outfitted stores with branded counters, mirrors, and signage that married precision craftsmanship to modern styling. This example—with its carved crest, stepped profile, and gilt trim—fits squarely in the 1933–1942 window when commercial interiors embraced streamlined Art Deco forms prior to wartime austerity.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition with attractive, period-correct wear: gilt edge loss at high points, small finish rubs, and minor silvering specks at the perimeter. Structurally solid with rich, even patina; displays beautifully.

Product Details

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This mirror captures the golden age of American retail—streamlined Art Deco lines, real wood, and branded subtlety. It brings warmth and authenticity to contemporary spaces, reads as sculpture from every angle, and adds a storied note to any vignette—bar cart, console, dressing area, or boutique counter—while reflecting light (and history) with quiet confidence.