Old mirror . What were its uses ?

[idaho1]

More idaho 'pickin' today . I found 2 of these mirrors . One is slightly larger and has porcelain knobs on it . This one has wood knobs . Both have beautifull colored inlays . One guy said they are old commode mirrors ?? . I would like to know their actuall use and aprox age .

[mart]

It has a wall hanger but does it look like it ever had a stand so it could sit on a shelf ??  If not,, why the feet ??

[Rauville]

My first thought was that these might have been used in a shoe store to allow you to "reflect" on a possible purchase.

[mart]

Commode or washstand ??  Not sure !!  A commode or chest would not have normally been used like that !!

[KC]

Do the knobs have any wear on them?

[ghopper1924]

"A commode or chest would not have normally been used like that !!"

Right. The nobs don't make any sense from that perspective.

[greenacres]

I just got a similar mirror but it's much longer. Mine also attached to something. It's in my garage it's heavy. Maybe your's went to a vanity table. I'm still trying ti figure out mine. I thought mine went to a top of a head board. I have a headboard there, but I have to check it out. I want to hang it, bit it's so heavy I'm waiting till winter, lol

[mart]

Greenacres yours may have went with a buffet !!

[KC]

Also, pic #2 has a metal ? at the top of it.  Can you post a better pic of it.  Is it a hanger or a part of a hinge?

[greenacres]

Thanks, Thaey really made things in those days. The mirror ways a ton!

[idaho1]

The knobs on the bottom only have ware on the bottoms . No sign of them being put into holes . The knobs unscrew and i see a rusty screw stud and a lighter area under the knob like they have been there forever . No plugged dowel holes . The metal part is a wall hanger , installed with vintage rusted screws looking like an original part also .
Alot of things like this show some signs of having 2 boards screwed to the back where that was mounted to a piece of furniture . These mirrors dont have those signs . 

[Rauville]

What size are they?

I can still see these used in a shoe store, mounted at floor level.

[KC]

Rauville....the ones that I have ever come across for the shoe store were like these - they had handles and some way to prop....even if able to hang on the wall to get out of the way.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHABBY-BUT-CHIC-VINTAGE-SHOE-STORE-MIRROR-GREAT-DISPLAY-0041010-/330636480134?pt=Mirrors&hash=item4cfb784e86
http://www.theredvault.com/Vintage%20Shoe%20Store%20Mirror

It didn't sound like there was any wear on the wooden "feet"....I am leaning towards that they are wall mounted mirrors that were above a chest of drawers (not dresser).  Not fancy enough for living room display....but nice enough for the boudoir. 

[mart]

Thats entirely possible KC !! The feet just resting on the top to keep it level since there is only one hanger !!! That would keep it straight !!

[idaho1]

I met the lady today who sold me the mirrors at another yard sale so i asked her what they were used for . She said they are '' gentlemans dresser mirrors '' the knobs were added and not original . I guess they hang on the wall and the knobs were a personal decorative decision . 

Sounds good to me