Antique Sterling Silver Vanity Set, Mirror & Hair Brushes, Hardy Brothers & Synyer Beddoes, 1917–1918

A refined antique sterling silver three-piece vanity set, comprising a hand mirror and two hair brushes with elegant engine-turned striped decoration, beaded borders and engraved monogram cartouches. The set dates to the late George V period, with Birmingham hallmarks for 1917 and 1918.

The hand mirror is hallmarked for Birmingham 1917 by Synyer & Beddoes, while the two hair brushes bear Hardy Brothers marks, dated 1917 and 1918. The pieces are closely coordinated in design, with matching striped decoration, beaded edges and a stylised monogram, giving the set a graceful and cohesive dressing table presence.

Details

Item: Three-piece vanity set
Set Includes: One hand mirror and two hair brushes
Mirror Maker: Synyer & Beddoes
Brush Maker / Retailer: Hardy Brothers
Assay Office: Birmingham
Dates: 1917 and 1918
Period: George V
Material: Sterling silver mounts with mirror glass and brush backs
Decoration: Engine-turned striped design, beaded edges and engraved monogram cartouches
Monogram: Stylised initial monogram to each piece
Mirror Dimensions: 27 x 15 cm
Brush Dimensions: 24 x 8 cm each
Combined Gross Weight: 773 grams, including glass and bristles
Condition: Good antique condition

Condition

Good antique condition with age-related surface wear consistent with use. The mirror shows visible dents and a notable scratch to the reverse, and the mirror glass has age-related foxing. The brushes have minor dents consistent with age, and the bristles are present. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Sterling silver vanity sets were highly fashionable in the late Victorian, Edwardian and George V periods, often forming part of a lady’s dressing table arrangement. Sets typically included hand mirrors, hair brushes, clothes brushes, combs and related grooming accessories, combining practical use with decorative silver craftsmanship.

This set brings together two recognised Birmingham silver names. Synyer & Beddoes were Birmingham manufacturing silversmiths, while Hardy Brothers was an important name associated with British and Australian silver retailing, with historical connections to Sydney and Brisbane. Pieces bearing Hardy Brothers marks are of particular interest to collectors of Australian-related silver as well as British hallmarked silver.

The engine-turned striped decoration and beaded borders give the set a refined early 20th-century appearance, while the engraved monograms add personal period character. Together, the mirror and brushes make an attractive antique silver dressing table group with strong decorative appeal.

A handsome antique sterling silver vanity set, ideal for collectors of British hallmarked silver, Hardy Brothers wares, dressing table accessories and elegant early 20th-century grooming pieces.