An object of vanity and adornment, these handheld looking glasses encased in valuable metal represent a particular era’s aesthetic and craftsmanship. These items typically consist of a reflective surface housed within a case fashioned from precious metal that has a silver content of 92.5%. As an example, a lady during the Art Deco period might have carried one of these objects, featuring geometric designs and her initials engraved on the cover.
Possessing such an item transcends mere practicality, functioning as a tangible link to the past, illustrating evolving design sensibilities and social customs. They are collected for their intrinsic material worth, artistic merit, and as historical artifacts. They offer insights into the manufacturing techniques, design trends, and social roles of women during their period of popularity.