Makeup Table Appraisal

Antique/Vintage Vanity or Dressing Table with Hidden Mirror

This item is an antique or vintage wooden vanity or dressing table, likely crafted from mahogany or a similar rich, reddish-brown hardwood. The overall design suggests a late 19th or early 20th-century style, possibly Art Nouveau or Edwardian, due to its delicate curves and intricate details. The vanity features a central lift-up panel that reveals a mirror on its underside, allowing it to function as a hidden dressing table. Below this central compartment, there are two additional lidded compartments, one on either side, suggesting storage for toiletries, jewelry, or cosmetics. The lids of these side compartments, as well as the central mirror panel, are hinged and show signs of brass or bronze hardware that has developed a patina over time. The main body of the table features multiple small drawers, intricately decorated with what appears to be inlaid patterns or carved motifs, possibly resembling a basketweave or geometric design. These drawers have small, presumably metal, pulls. The table is supported by elegant, curved legs, characteristic of period furniture. Decorative metal accents, possibly escutcheons or mounts, are visible where the legs meet the main body of the table. The wood exhibits a discernible grain and a polished finish, though there are visible signs of wear consistent with age, including scratches, minor dings, and potential fading of the finish in areas. The mirror itself shows significant silvering degradation and cloudiness, indicating its age and suggesting a need for re-silvering if restoration is desired. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with tight joinery and attention to decorative detail, indicating a piece made by skilled artisans rather than mass production.