Antique Pocket Mirrors (Pictorial and Advertising Miniatures)

This delightful compendium of American pocket mirrors showcases more than 500 miniature treasures of early 20th century design. Small celluloid round, oval, and rectangular mirrors were designed as advertising premiums, giveaways, favors, mementoes of weddings and anniversaries, souvenirs from historic sites, and so on. Today they are greatly admired for their exquisitely designed graphics, charming Victorian language, and romanticized--indeed often humorous--depiction of commercial products. Organized by subject matter, these colorful mirrors feature period advertising, political and patriotic themes, babies and children, beautiful women, portraiture, brides and grooms, historic sites, transportation, farm machinery and tools, and much more. Many icons of advertising are represented, including Coca Cola, Pepsi, Hires Root Beer, Lydia Pinkham's Pills, RCA Victor, even early Pop Art examples from Campbell's Soup! A history of pocket mirrors, manufacturer information, value guide, and tips for determining authenticity are all provided. Collectors, artists, devotees of advertising history, designers, and students will all appreciate these diminutive gems of graphic design.