Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror Value Guide

Produced by the renowned Gorham Manufacturing Company, this sterling silver hand mirror is a quintessential example of Gilded Age vanity luxury. Its intricate repousse floral scrolls and central monogram cartouche represent the high-relief craftsmanship that served as a status symbol for the American upper class between 1890 and 1910.

What Is Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror Worth?

The typical price range for Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror is $135 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the silver, specifically looking for 'pinpoint' dents or holes in the high points of the repousse.
• The clarity and silvering of the original beveled glass mirror plate.
• The presence of a monogram; while historically interesting, unmonogrammed pieces often command a slight premium.
• Current market demand for Victorian-era vanity accessories and the spot price of sterling silver.

How to Identify Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror?

• Look for the Gorham hallmark featuring a lion, an anchor, and a capital letter G.
• Check for the 'Sterling' stamp, which indicates the piece is 925/1000 pure silver.
• Inspect the repousse work for high-relief floral patterns that are crisp and hammered from the reverse side.
• Verify the presence of a central cartouche, which may be blank or feature a period-style monogram.

History of Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror

Produced by the renowned Gorham Manufacturing Company, this mirror represents the height of the Gilded Age vanity aesthetic. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, silver vanity sets were essential symbols of status and refinement for the upper class. The intricate repousse technique used here involves hammering the silver from the reverse side to create high-relief designs.