Sterling Silver Oval Grooming / Clothes Brush
Sterling Silver Oval Grooming / Clothes Brush
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Additional Description: A refined sterling silver–backed oval grooming brush featuring a hand-engraved engine-turned surface and a decorative rope-and-shell border. The top is engraved with fine parallel lines radiating across the oval field, centered with a blank cartouche that was originally intended for a monogram.
The brush is marked “STERLING” along the side of the mount, confirming the back and frame are made of solid sterling silver rather than silverplate. Beneath the silver mount sits a traditional wooden brush block fitted with light-colored natural bristles, likely horsehair or similar grooming bristle material.
Brushes of this form were commonly used as: Gentleman’s clothes brushes (for brushing dust from coats and suits), Vanity or grooming brushes, components of Victorian or Edwardian dressing sets.
The elegant oval form and monogram reserve strongly suggest it was originally part of a personal dressing set, possibly presented as a gift.
Era: Late Victorian to Edwardian period (circa 1890–1915)
History: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sterling-backed brushes were fashionable accessories on both ladies’ vanity tables and gentlemen’s dressing tables. Many were sold as part of multi-piece dressing sets that included: hand mirrors, hair brushes, clothes brushes, shoehorns, button hooks, and manicure tools.
The engine-turned engraving seen here was a popular decorative treatment that provided subtle ornamentation while leaving space for personalized monograms.
Provenance: Marked STERLING.
Acquired in Austin, TX.
Materials: Sterling silver back and frame, Wooden brush base, Natural bristles (likely horsehair)
Disclaimers: Surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Minor wear to the wood base visible from the underside. Bristles show light wear but remain intact.
Additional Description: A refined sterling silver–backed oval grooming brush featuring a hand-engraved engine-turned surface and a decorative rope-and-shell border. The top is engraved with fine parallel lines radiating across the oval field, centered with a blank cartouche that was originally intended for a monogram.
The brush is marked “STERLING” along the side of the mount, confirming the back and frame are made of solid sterling silver rather than silverplate. Beneath the silver mount sits a traditional wooden brush block fitted with light-colored natural bristles, likely horsehair or similar grooming bristle material.
Brushes of this form were commonly used as: Gentleman’s clothes brushes (for brushing dust from coats and suits), Vanity or grooming brushes, components of Victorian or Edwardian dressing sets.
The elegant oval form and monogram reserve strongly suggest it was originally part of a personal dressing set, possibly presented as a gift.
Era: Late Victorian to Edwardian period (circa 1890–1915)
History: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sterling-backed brushes were fashionable accessories on both ladies’ vanity tables and gentlemen’s dressing tables. Many were sold as part of multi-piece dressing sets that included: hand mirrors, hair brushes, clothes brushes, shoehorns, button hooks, and manicure tools.
The engine-turned engraving seen here was a popular decorative treatment that provided subtle ornamentation while leaving space for personalized monograms.
Provenance: Marked STERLING.
Acquired in Austin, TX.
Materials: Sterling silver back and frame, Wooden brush base, Natural bristles (likely horsehair)
Disclaimers: Surface scratches and patina consistent with age and use. Minor wear to the wood base visible from the underside. Bristles show light wear but remain intact.