Privilege Blog

Speaking Of Antique Ivory Mirrors


The mirror, on the right, was my grandmother’s. With her monogram before her marriage. SBB. After marriage she was SBC. And yes, I do have a sister with those initials.


The brush is another family item. But not my grandmother’s apparently. And no, I don’t have a sister named A.


Now I am wondering, why DID they monogram everything? Because they could?

Of course those are paper towels I am using as a background. Thanks for asking.

15 Responses

  1. I went to a bridal shower for a bride I did not know, but knew the groom from high school. The bride could not stop talking about how excited she was to get EVERYTHING monogrammed–so sweet, but my mom and I could not figure out why she was so excited. We figured perhaps because she was from the east coast (us west coasters are a little less formal), but then I quickly realized it must be because of her social status. Her family is extremely well off.

    I like it. It must be something she is used to and is passed down from generation to generation. I really am jealous of that, and of your sweet ivory mirror and brush. Beautiful. And I love tradition.

  2. oooooohhhhhh!
    I can almost feel the smoothness of that mirror and brush.

    I hae a similar set, but mine are silver and the monogram that was there has long been worn off. Someone once told me, "WHY do you keep that?"

    I didn't answer her. Becuase if she had to ask, she wouldn't understand the answer.

    Thanks for the photos. Your items are lovely.
    :-)

  3. Those are so lovely to have.
    I have to say i like monogrammed family items, but my favorite mirror is one my ex made for me himself before we were married.

  4. I love monogramming my entire life! Ha! My fiance doesn't mind, thankfully!

  5. Well, we don't think it started back in the middle ages as a way to keep everything sorted out for the weekly potluck, so we're not sure how the practice began. Growing up the initials were just kind of there… although not so much as in other parts of the country, the south we think more than The Great Midwest.

    Silver? Yes.

    Other hospitality items (glasses, napkins, etc.)? Yes.

    Personal items like the beautiful heirlooms you shared? Yes.

    Apparel? Rarely, if ever.

    Accessories? Not that we remember.

    We would be intrigued by your list of what is and *is not* monogrammed, and your thoughts on how the practice has changed over the generations.

    Love this one Miss LPC,
    tp

  6. I have a silver set that was given to me by my Great Grandmother when I graduated from high school. I love it. It needs polishing, but I love the dark patina more than the shiny bling.

  7. I think my favorite part is the typography too. Which until I took those photos, I'd never really paid attention to before. TP, I started researching the history of monograms last night. It's interesting. Future post.

  8. I don't know what it is about seeing your own initials on an item. I've always suspected I go overboard with my own monogramming, but after seeing how the East Coasters do it, I now realize I am not that bad. I love ivory items. I almost wish they still could make them, is that terrible??? I'll pretend I never said that since I love elephants so much. Our little secret, SHHHH! Lovely items, thank you for sharing.

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