Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Antique Mirror Age?

In Furniture > Mirrors > Show & Tell.
clmason456's loves32 of 64Happy Birthday to My MomAny information on this dresser?
7
Love it
1
Like it

LOUMANALLOUMANAL likes this.
PoliticalPinbacksPoliticalPinbacks loves this.
AnythingObscureAnythingObscure loves this.
Rick55Rick55 loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
clmason456clmason456 loves this.
JImamJImam loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
See 6 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 7 years ago

    SpiritBear
    (813 items)

    As far as I can tell, there is a grand total of one decent site that tells about non-ornate antique mirrors made after 1850. Sadly, I could not ID the style this mirror is in (other than very simple), nor could I ID a specific time, from that site.

    Some time ago, someone wrote that old mirrors have wavy glass, and he proceeded to write more on them. While that is sometimes true, smooth glass has been around since the 1850s, so by "old", he meant either very old or he wrote it 50 years ago as every amateur tells every other amateur, "It's not old unless it has wavy and thin glass."

    Anyway, the thin glass mirror tends to distort near the sides, is sparkly on the back (one site suggested that is a mercury mirror), and is greyish all together. The inner portion of the frame had been gilt at one point, but as is typical it deteriorated away. The back (which probably had the label) is missing but was likely made of wood, with very old nails holding it in. The mirror is held by wooden strips that are likely glued into slots.

    What is the age, to within a couple decades, and what is the style?

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Mirrors
    See all
    Vintage Art Nouveau Style Alphonse Mucha Lady Nostalgia Mirror 20 x 14
    Vintage Art Nouveau Style Alphonse ...
    $59
    VINTAGE FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT WALL MIRROR HOLLYWOOD REGENCY SHABBY CHIC
    VINTAGE FRENCH LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT...
    $75
    17 Inch Antique Marine Porthole Mirror Large Ship Cabin Window Wall Decor Gift
    17 Inch Antique Marine Porthole Mir...
    $67
    RETRO Vintage Gold FILIGREE Wall MIRROR LARGE Mid Century MCM Matson
    RETRO Vintage Gold FILIGREE Wall MI...
    $45
    logo
    Vintage Art Nouveau Style Alphonse Mucha Lady Nostalgia Mirror 20 x 14
    Vintage Art Nouveau Style Alphonse ...
    $59
    See all

    Comments

    1. SpiritBear, 7 years ago
      I've seen a number of similar ones touted as Victorian (how very expected), and while I may think they're late Victorian and through Edwardian, they all had one thing in common: They were plaster over wood, whereas mine is stained (neither plaster nor veneer) and guilded only. Suggests older manufacture?
    2. PoliticalPinbacks PoliticalPinbacks, 7 years ago
      There's a bear behind you!
    3. SpiritBear, 7 years ago
      Well, my pillow is very reminiscent of a bear. It is covered in black fur and has arms. LOL.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.