Art nouveau sterling silver handheld mirror - Birmingham 1906/7

The intricate swirling repousse design on this mirror is remarkable in the accuracy and detail it has captured. The sweet pea flowers and buds, the tendrils with which they climb and the leaf form are all so true to nature. The design epitomises the celebration of nature and rhythmic pattern so popular during the art nouveau period. It was made by Jones & Crompton in Birmingham in 1906/7. 

It has its original bevelled mirror that has signs of silvering that often occurs in old mirrors but it continues to show reflections well. Sadly there is some damage. It appears to have been dropped a couple of times once on the upper right edge and at the bottom of the handles on the silver side, both of which have left indentations. They are shown in the photos and don't significantly detract as it is a beautiful piece. The only other thing to note is that if shaken you will hear a rattle, which is a common issue with old mirrors as the resin inside deteriorates with age. With careful use it will easily last another hundred years. 

Displaying old mirrors in groups on walls is a popular modern use but I'd be tempted to place it with the detailed design on the back on view as it is particularly well realised. I've included some pictures with sweet peas from my garden to show how well they captured these lovely flowers so evocative of the country garden.