13 Antique Hand Mirrors That Became Collector Treasures

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Victorian Silver Hand Mirror

The Victorian Silver Hand Mirror is a stunning example of intricate craftsmanship from the late 19th century. It features a beautifully engraved silver handle, often adorned with floral patterns and scrolling details. The mirror itself is typically oval-shaped and surrounded by a frame that showcases exceptional artistry of the period. Collectors appreciate the combination of functional design and decorative beauty, with these mirrors often used as vanity accessories in grand homes.

The market value for a Victorian Silver Hand Mirror can vary based on the quality and condition of the piece, with prices ranging from $200 to $500. The silver content, as well as any engravings or maker’s marks, significantly influence the price. Rare designs or mirrors in excellent condition with minimal wear can command higher prices, making them highly sought after by collectors.

Rococo-Style Hand Mirror

The Rococo-Style Hand Mirror is a piece of extravagant elegance, originating in the 18th century and characterized by its ornate design. Typically made from gilded wood or brass, this mirror features lavish scrollwork, floral patterns, and intricate detailing that reflect the opulence of the Rococo period. These mirrors were often used by the French aristocracy, which has made them highly desirable among antique collectors.

The value of a Rococo-Style Hand Mirror generally ranges between $300 and $800, depending on factors such as the quality of craftsmanship, the presence of original gilding, and its historical significance. Items from renowned French makers or mirrors in exceptional condition can be priced much higher, with some rare examples reaching up to $2,000.

Art Deco Enamel Hand Mirror

The Art Deco Enamel Hand Mirror is a striking reflection of the early 20th century’s modernist movement. Featuring bold geometric patterns and vibrant enamel colors, this mirror stands as a testament to the sleek, stylized designs that defined the Art Deco era. The handle is often crafted from chrome or bakelite, while the mirror is surrounded by enamel in bright shades like red, blue, and gold, reflecting the era’s love for symmetry and streamlined elegance.

Art Deco Enamel Hand Mirrors typically range from $300 to $800 on the market, with the price depending on the quality of the enamel and the material of the handle. Limited edition designs or mirrors made by renowned manufacturers such as Cartier or Van Cleef & Arpels can see prices exceeding $1,500.

French Louis XVI-Style Hand Mirror

The French Louis XVI-Style Hand Mirror is a classic example of the neoclassical style that dominated the late 18th century. Featuring a simple yet elegant design, these mirrors often have gold-leaf gilded frames, floral motifs, and delicate detailing around the edges. The handles of Louis XVI-style mirrors are typically made from wood or brass, often accented with gold, making them highly prized by collectors of French antiques.

Depending on its condition and the complexity of the design, a French Louis XVI-Style Hand Mirror can be valued between $400 and $1,000. The market price is higher for mirrors that feature intricate detailing or were crafted by renowned French artisans. Items with significant historical provenance may also command a premium.

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Hand Mirror

This Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Hand Mirror is a fine example of high-end craftsmanship from one of the most iconic luxury brands in history. Known for its elegant designs and superior quality, Tiffany’s sterling silver hand mirrors feature intricate detailing and polished finishes that appeal to collectors worldwide. These mirrors often come with the Tiffany hallmark and are considered to be exceptional examples of American artistry.

The value of a Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Hand Mirror typically falls between $800 and $2,000, depending on the age, design, and condition of the piece. A mirror with unique engraving or one from a limited edition collection may command even higher prices, reaching upwards of $3,000.

Chinese Export Silver Hand Mirror

This Chinese Export Silver Hand Mirror represents the fine artistry of 18th and 19th-century China, often commissioned by European or American buyers. The frame of the mirror is typically crafted from finely worked silver, with detailed carvings of dragons, floral motifs, or other traditional Chinese symbols. These mirrors were considered luxury items, often made to order for high-ranking individuals or royal families.

The market value for a Chinese Export Silver Hand Mirror typically falls between $500 and $1,500, depending on the quality of the craftsmanship, the silver content, and the presence of intricate detailing. Mirrors from renowned silversmiths or those with historical significance can fetch prices exceeding $2,000.

Georgian Hand Mirror with Giltwood Frame

The Georgian Hand Mirror with Giltwood Frame exemplifies the refinement and elegance of the early 19th century. Characterized by its gilded wooden frame, this mirror often features delicate carving details, including floral patterns, scrollwork, and symmetrical designs. The frame typically has a rounded or oval shape, providing a classic look that complements various types of interiors from the Georgian period.

A Georgian Hand Mirror with Giltwood Frame can be valued between $300 and $800, depending on the condition and intricacy of the carvings. Mirrors with detailed gilding and minimal signs of wear generally command higher prices, and certain designs may reach as much as $1,200.

Sterling Silver Hand Mirror by Gorham

The Sterling Silver Hand Mirror by Gorham is a sought-after collector’s piece, known for its superior craftsmanship and timeless design. Gorham, a prestigious American silver manufacturer, is renowned for its fine sterling silver products, and their hand mirrors are no exception. The mirror features a finely detailed sterling silver handle, often with floral or classical motifs, and the company’s hallmark assures collectors of its authenticity.

Prices for a Sterling Silver Hand Mirror by Gorham generally range from $600 to $1,500, depending on the design and condition. Mirrors from limited runs or those with unique engravings or embellishments can fetch prices well above $2,000, particularly if they are in near-mint condition.

Antique Brass Hand Mirror with Enamel Inlays

This Antique Brass Hand Mirror with Enamel Inlays is a beautiful representation of the craftsmanship from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The brass frame is intricately designed with decorative enamel inlays that often feature floral or geometric patterns. The mirror’s unique combination of brass and enamel gives it a striking visual appeal, making it a favorite among collectors of decorative metalwork and enamel art.

An Antique Brass Hand Mirror with Enamel Inlays can be priced between $300 and $700, depending on the complexity of the inlays and the condition of the mirror. Mirrors with particularly vibrant or rare enamel designs can increase in value, with some reaching up to $1,200.

Regency-Style Hand Mirror

The Regency-Style Hand Mirror is a refined piece from the early 19th century, characterized by its elegant yet simple design. Often crafted from wood with gilded accents, the mirror’s frame typically features understated geometric or floral patterns. Regency-style mirrors were prized for their symmetry and balance, making them highly desirable to antique collectors.

Regency-Style Hand Mirrors usually range from $250 to $700, depending on the quality of the wood and the presence of any gilding or decorative accents. Well-maintained mirrors or those with rare designs can fetch upwards of $1,000 in the market.

Japanese Lacquered Hand Mirror

This Japanese Lacquered Hand Mirror is a stunning example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, featuring a highly polished lacquered finish that showcases the skill of the artisan. Often decorated with intricate designs, such as birds, flowers, or scenes from nature, these mirrors were frequently made for both functional and decorative purposes in Japanese households. The lacquer work is both beautiful and durable, making these mirrors a prized item among collectors of Asian antiques.

The value of a Japanese Lacquered Hand Mirror generally falls between $400 and $1,000, with variations depending on the quality of the lacquer, the design, and the age of the mirror. Rare pieces, especially those featuring exquisite hand-painted designs or made by renowned artisans, can reach values as high as $2,500.

Rococo Revival Hand Mirror

The Rococo Revival Hand Mirror is an opulent piece that emerged during the 19th-century Rococo Revival movement. Featuring elaborate carvings of flowers, shells, and scrolling elements, these mirrors are highly ornate, reflecting the luxurious tastes of the period. The frames are often made from wood, sometimes gilded, and the mirrors themselves are set in a way that accentuates the beauty of the surrounding decorative elements.

Rococo Revival Hand Mirrors are valued between $400 and $1,200, with the price varying based on the condition, style, and materials used. Mirrors with significant carvings or those that have been carefully preserved are likely to be priced at the higher end of the spectrum.

Tiffany Bronze Hand Mirror

This Tiffany Bronze Hand Mirror is a prestigious item made by one of the most renowned American designers, Louis Comfort Tiffany. The mirror features a bronze frame, often adorned with glass accents or intricate patterns that are hallmarks of Tiffany’s work. The piece is not just functional but also an artistic representation of the Art Nouveau style, making it a collector’s dream.

The value of a Tiffany Bronze Hand Mirror can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on its design, condition, and age. Mirrors with signature Tiffany glass or unique embellishments can reach higher prices, particularly if they are part of a limited edition or series.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.