Antique Victorian Photo Album with Mirror & Clasp (c. 1870s)

This remarkable metallic blue Victorian photo album dates to the late 19th century, likely the 1870s. Measuring approx. 9" x 10.5" x 1.5", it features its original gilt accents, ornate cover design, and a working metal clasp. Inside are thick card pages with gold-gilt edges and photo windows, consistent with albums of the period.

🔹 Unique Details

• Original beveled mirror on the inside cover (cracked, as often found on surviving examples).

• Locking metal clasp still intact.

• Gilt-edged pages remain unusually clean and well-preserved — most albums from this era show heavy wear, but this one is nearly unused.

• Bar-style support under the mirror, part of the original construction.

📖 Condition:

• Cover shows expected age wear but retains its metallic sheen.

• Mirror cracked.

• Pages bright, with minimal damage compared to typical 19th-century albums.

✨ Historical Context
Albums like this were treasured keepsakes in the Victorian home, often displayed on parlor tables as family heirlooms. The elaborate cover, clasp, and mirror reflect the era’s fascination with both ornament and sentimentality.