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Not only does the Art Nouveau embossed detailing on the handle of the hand mirror and the comb holder date this set but the 1901 William Guerin stamp on the back of the dresser tray makes the age of these three pieces conclusive. The artwork is transfer decorated and exhibits lovely floral sprays to include colors of pink lavender, purple, yellow and greens. Although the depth of colors are a shade deeper on the hand mirror, the porcelain pieces are a matched set. The artwork is in medium soft tones and has an appealing personality, especially the combination of feminine colors. The outer rim and contour of the porcelain dresser tray is very shapely with raised blown out flowers and it is highlighted with a gold gilt spray. The tray measures generously at about 12½ inches side to side, 9 inches top to bottom and the edge raises above it's flat bottom by ½ inch.
As you can see in the above left photo, there is a slight thin area at the inner edge of the tray that has a bit of discoloration around the curve. Although it looks like it would wipe clean, I have not been able to remove it. The tray is free of any cracks, chips or damages and the gold gilt edge shows small wear here and there but not too bad for it's age, I would consider it quite satisfactory. The photo to the right shows the William Guerin Limoges back stamp that was used during 1901 and shortly afterwards.
The hand mirror is in fine condition, no damages to the porcelain but if you tip it to the light, you might see a few small or tiny inconspicuous scratches, however, nothing naughty or terribly obvious. The rim around the mirror is in splendid form with very small insignificant denting to be found, almost none at all. The perfect and supportive brass handle is a classic in Art Nouveau styling, actually very beautiful in detail and blends wonderfully with the Art Nouveau comb holder. The hand mirror measures nearly 9½ in length and has a 5 inch diameter viewing surface. The hand mirror and the comb have been cleaned and polished to the best of my ability. Although the comb is likely usable, I cannot guarantee that it will hold up to daily use since it is over 100 years old. All of the little comb's teeth are intact but one of the outer tines is missing a little less than half of it but since so few of these combs are still intact, I think it's great just to have the comb as good as it is. The comb measures 7 inches in length by 1¼ inches wide.
These two photos show the slight differences in the depth of colors, with the hand mirror on the left and the tray on the right. Now it took me awhile to notice a manufacturing flaw but if you look in the center of the hand mirror, between the white and pink lavender flowers, you will see what looks like a small spot of dirt, this is actually a small circular piece of porcelain that did not get polished down all the way, so it is ever so slightly raised. This is more so detectable under a magnifier and is considered an acceptable flaw that is occasionally found on antique porcelain. The original beveled mirror is in very fine useable condition, it shows a clear image but of course it has a scratch and tiny minor age related flaws which are very irrelevant. I do believe someone will be delighted to add this set to their vanity, after all, how often do you find these matching hand mirror and tray sets.
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Limoges / Nippon, Noritake, Occupied Japan / Purses / Perfume Bottles / Personal & Wardrobe / Porcelains The Treasure Chest / Vanity & Porcelain Dresser Items / Vintage Clothing, Linens, Textiles / Woodenware
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