Mirrors have been used by people in some form or another for over 8000 years. The first mirrors were made of obsidian or volcanic glass. Examples of them have been found by archaeologists from what is the present-day Turkey. Mirrors made of iron were used by the people of the ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and China and the first mirrors that used metal-backed glass were made in Lebanon around the beginning of the century. Even though they are fragile they are not insignificant. Many antique mirrors dating that date back to the 17th century remain in use to this day. This could be because mirrors were considered valuable objects and were, as such frequently well-maintained and passed down as valuable antiques.

What are the different kinds of mirrors from antique?

Mirrors that are handheld

In all time mirrors have been utilized to serve symbolic functions and practical reasons. In the places occupied with the Silk Road, handheld mirrors were employed for rituals and funerary ceremonies, and also certain types of entertainment. Mirrors that were first hand-held and it’s not surprising that mirrors with portable handles remain popular throughout time, from beginning with the glass-based mirrors that had handles utilized in people of the Romans to the attractive small mirrors worn on the shoulders of Victorian ladies.

The dressing table or the ‘toilet’ mirrors

It is believed the dressing table was originally employed by the early Egyptians However, they became a sought-after item that furniture was coveted by wealthy Europeans at the end of the 1600s when carpenters from Italy and France started producing designs that included the mirror inside. One of the most famous examples is the table created by Jean-Francois-Oeben that was designed for Madame of Pompadour. Mirrors that were freestanding, made to be placed on top of an dressing table began to be popular in the late 17th century. They were also referred to as toilet mirrors. they were usually made of dark wood, and some even had the storage of a small drawer that could be used to store items for toiletries or jewelry.

Cheval mirrors

The name is derived from the French word meaning horse, due to the fact that they are on four legs, cheval mirrors are basically bigger versions of the bathroom mirror. They are usually full-length. These elaborate but functional mirrors were initially created in Paris and became popular in late in the nineteenth century. Mirrors made of cheval from the Victorian period are usually made out of walnut or mahogany, and generally have a robust wooden frame, with carved details. Art Deco cheval mirrors, in contrast will likely have frames that are thinner or none in all as a frame made of a single solid piece of wood.

Mirrors for walls

In the late 1700s, massive mirrors for walls were the trend. British factories in the 1700s could not make large mirrors, and which is why when a glass tax hindered the importation of mirrors for walls from France, British manufacturers instead started to put tiny pieces of glass in a single frame making it appear as an enormous mirror. In the beginning in the 18th century, small mirrors for walls were popular again as convex mirrors were fixtures in many of the upper-class dining rooms, where they were utilized by butlers to observe how meals were moving along without disturbing people eating. It is today simple to locate and buy antique wall mirrors dating from earlier Victorian and Georgian period and also mirrors made by those of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

How do I determine the time of a mirror that is antique by its style and appearance?

It is usually possible to have a clear idea of the vintage of a mirror by focusing on the style of its characteristics. Here we will discuss some of the main design elements of mirrors made beginning in the 1700s to the present.

Rococo

Also known as ‘late baroque The Rococo style was popular during the period of 1730s. Rococo mirrors are large frames, often made of gold-colored plaster. The intricate styles of this time often contain natural elements such as leaves, shells, or floral patterns.

English Regency

Mirrors from the late-Georgian Regency period (1811-1820) are less complicated in style in comparison to those of their Victorian counterparts. They typically include rectangular or square columns. Similar to other pieces of furniture made during the time, Regency mirrors are often decorated with neoclassical themes like wreaths or scrolls.

Chippendale

Made in the 18th century These antique mirrors derive its name after the renowned furniture manufacturer Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). The Chippendale-style mirrors typically have frames made of dark woods, like cherry or mahogany. They also have intricate carvings.

Victorian

When it comes to huge antique mirrors, a large quantity were created during the Victorian time period (1837-1901). Mirrors from this time typically have intricately carved striking details, often with styles that were adapted from earlier times. Victorian mirrors were typically made of woods such as walnut or mahogany and many were gilded.

Art Nouveau

Inspired by nature Mirrors that are influenced by nature Art Nouveau style (1890-1910) include softly flowing lines with elegant motifs that depict wildlife and flora.

Art Deco

Elegant and elegant Mirrors in the Art Deco style of the 1920s typically consist of symmetrical, angular forms with simple lines and little detail.

How much will antique mirrors cost?

It’s not easy to give an estimate of the amount an antique mirror will costsince each mirror is priced individually depending on factors such as its condition, age and the material used to create it.

What should I look when purchasing an old mirror?

If you’re planning to shell out a significant sum of money for an older mirror you need to be aware of what you’re buying. These tips can help you gain an understanding of to estimating the age of a mirror and trying to determine its source.

Make sure it is the original glass or was replaced

The glass that’s been changed does not typically have a major impact on a mirror’s worth. A mirror with the original glass is nevertheless, usually more valuable. If a mirror is still made of its original glass , this could assist in revealing its age . Older glass is generally smaller than contemporary glass and typically is a grey or yellow tone, instead of being colorless. The glass which has been in use for a long time is more distinctive, and small imperfections, like small foxing marks, can enhance its appeal.

Check out the back

Examining the back of a vintage mirror can reveal more information about the age of the mirror and its source. There may be an engraving or stamped logo or name that could help to determine the place it was manufactured and by who. The older mirrors are likely to have wood instead of paper backings, and this is something to look for.

Examine for signs of aging

An authentic antique mirror has always been subject to wear and wear and tear. Examine the frame’s wood carefully to identify areas of fade or darkening as well for any woodworm or stains. The mirror’s glass will show signs of ageing if the frame is original. Look out for any spots that are cloudy or foxing, as being aware of any scratches or chips in the glass’s surface.

Do your research

If you’ve seen and fallen the love of the antique look of a mirror may be hard not to purchase it right away. If you’re looking for antiques however, it is important to do some study. You might want to snap a picture of your mirror, and then take some time to research the design and features of your mirror, as well as looking for similar models on the internet so that you are certain that it’s not replicas of modern times.