This is the place to come to learn about Avery style needle cases.

Looking Glass

Looking Glass needle 
case
Needle Case (photographs from eBay, now part of Lynda Herrod's collection)

Looking Glass needle 
case
Design Representation

Note: The diamond registration mark on this item translates to August 3, 1875 which doesn't match the date this design was registered.  After a review of all metal designs registered with TNA on August 3, 1875, it was discovered that there were only two designs registered on that date, one to Coggins & Baxter (#293201 - Bird Cage needle case) and one to another company in Sheffield not related to needle cases.  It appears as though Coggins & Baxter accidently used the diamond mark for the Bird Cage on their Looking Glass needle case.  Coggins & Baxter made a similar mistake on their Lap Desk - Floral needle case.

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

Coggins & Baxter - Birmingham

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class 1: Metal: #312186 (Provisional Design #1352 registered March 13, 1877)

Patent/Design Registration Date:

July 25, 1877

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/42/312186
TNA Register - BT 44/4/312186

Dimensions:

6 x 5

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

a. W. Avery & Son - Redditch
b. Unmarked

Other Variations:

None

Additional Photographs

Back and side views

Bottom and upmarked back detail views

Diamond registration mark dated August 3, 1875 and back stamped with the W. Avery & Son Redditch name

Detail view of the W. Avery & Son Redditch name stamped on the back

Facts

A looking glass or mirror is a smooth surface of glass coated with a metal amalgam that reflects light to provide a clear representation of an image.  Although mirrors are normally used for personal grooming and decoration, some have scientific applications such as the ones in telescopes, lasers and cameras.  Mirrored glass is also used in architecture to give a building or structure the ability to reflect its surrounding skyline as is often seen on high-rise buildings in major cities.

Table mirror facts

History

Early mirrors were made of obsidian, a shiny volcanic rock, and date to around 6000 BC.  The first metal-coated glass mirrors were invented in the Middle East and are mentioned by the Roman author, Pliny, in 77 AD.  Although the Chinese began working with silver-mercury amalgams in the 5th century AD, it was 16th century Venetians, already known for their glass making techniques, who created a tin mercury amalgam leading to their dominance in mirror production.  These mirrors were considered luxury items and were only available to the wealthy class due to their cost.  A German chemist invented a new silver-glass mirror process in 1835 which combined with the mass production technologies of the Industrial Revolution brought mirror ownership to the masses.  During the Victorian Period portable table swivel mirrors, hand mirrors and wall mirrors were common not only for their functionality but also for decorative purposes.  Today mirrors are found in most homes and sculpture like the mirrored Cloud Gate at Millennium Park in Chicago (seen below) are popular tourist attractions.

Table mirror history

Miscellaneous

One of the most intriguing artworks with a mirror is The Arnolfini Wedding by the early Dutch painter Jan van Eyck, painted in 1434 on an oak panel.  Van Eyck is known for his symbolism and attention to detail which can be seen in the mirror on the back wall between the wedding couple.  Some art scholars believe the mirror represents the eye of God witnessing the wedding vows.  Not only does the mirror reflect the back view of the couple but also includes two additional figures in the doorway, one of these possibly the painter himself.  This mirror’s frame includes tiny scenes from the Passion of Christ.  Click on the photo of the mirror below to see a larger version of this painting.

Table mirror history