Tent Pole or Bracket Campaign Mirror

A mahogany and brass Tent Pole or Bracket Mirror with candle arm.

This mirror was designed to be fixed to a tent pole or shelf etc. using its pair of brackets which are tightened to grip by a thumb bolt. Alternatively, there is a ring to the top so that it could also be hung if there was nothing suitable to fix it to.

The mirror has a looking glass to each side; one a standard mirror and the other magnified for shaving etc. Both glasses have a mottled finish as the mirror backing has deteriorated over time. The double-sided mirror is made in the manner that many campaign mirrors are with the mahogany frame inlaid with box wood and ebony stringing to both hold the glass in place and decorate.

The mirror is held by a semi-circular brass frame attached by a bolt to the top of either side, allowing the angle of the glass to be adjusted or the mirror to flipped over completely to use the other looking glass. To the bottom of the frame is a short upright to which the bracket is fixed to attach the mirror to a tent pole etc. and the candle arm. The candle arm is formed of two bars joined by a rivet so that its position can be adjusted or it can folded flat for packing. The candle was not only useful for using the mirror, but the looking glass could also be used as a reflector to increase the strength of the light. The gilt brass, which has aged to a dark patina, has been cast with a floral pattern and Rococo C scrolls.

Although known, Tent Pole Mirrors are uncommon. We had another comparable to this, but with two candle arms, a number of years ago. A later version was also made with a single mirror on a telescopic brass rod that fixes to the tent pole by leather straps. A number of different types of campaign mirror for the army officer were made and this is a harder to find example. Mid 19th Century.

Maximum Dimensions are given.