The Meriden Brittania Co., founded in Meriden, Connecticut in 1852, produced wares in brittania metal, a specific type of pewter alloy; by the end of the 1870s, they were considered the largest silverware company in the world, boasting warerooms in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, London, and Paris, and a factory that covered over 8 acres of space in downtown Meriden before becoming part of the International Silver Company in 1898.

This lovely late 19th century mirror is a fine example of their work, featuring a mirror patterned around the edges and held in a frame depicting a native woman, a bow on her back and an arrow in her hand. The frame consists of a top portion of the woman's head and shoulders on a post that connects to the lower portion and an easel backing to stand the mirror up, with a slot in the top of the mirror to hold it in place securely. The piece is marked with Meriden Brittania Co's stamp and the part number of 9931 on the back of the upper frame. A wire was added later to hold the easel prop up. The mirror backing boasts a subtle reptile leather pattern pressed in, held in place with nails with some age-related wear present. The mirror itself is approximately 13 inches wide and 17 inches tall; with the frame, she stands 24" in total.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: In good condition for her age, there is one older repair visible on the back of the woman's hand as well as some surface wear to her face and to the mirror where it sits against the frame. Her arrow, currently straight, shows some wear on the shaft from previous bending.

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Brand: Meriden Silver Plate Co.

Materials & Techniques:
Mirror, Pewter

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; In good condition for her age, there is one older repair visible on the back of the woman's hand as well as some surface wear to her face and to the mirror where it sits against the frame. Her arrow, currently straight, shows some wear on the shaft from previous bending.