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July 11th, 2008
Old Mirrors

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I’ve always liked old mirrors. Over time the silvered surface on the backside of the glass begins to fade, bubble, crumble, and blacken leaving the mirror functionless, but beautiful. The pictures here are of a recent acquisition: a large, ornate framed mirror from the 1840s. The mirror itself has the most incredible surface I’ve ever seen. There’s barely any clarity in the reflection, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather have mounted in a frame.

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6 comments
Eric Hegwer said:
July 11th, 2008 - 8:12 am

Have you been to Versailles in France? The Hall of Mirrors there is amazing!

Jamey said:
July 11th, 2008 - 9:51 am

Nice! I have to confess every time I watch a Harry Potter movie I drool over the faux old mirrors they put in almost every set. Somebody on their team has that look down!

virginia said:
July 11th, 2008 - 11:40 am

i always zero in on patterns like those on your mirror……it would make a beautiful print on paper or inspiration for a fabric motif.

Diana said:
July 16th, 2008 - 2:15 am

Does anyone know if the silvering on the back of antique mirrors is safe to have around kids? What is it made of?

Russell Whitmore said:
July 17th, 2008 - 10:36 am

That’s a good question, Diana. Most mirrors produced after the early 1800s were silvered with silver nitrate– not mercury. Nineteenth century mirrors generally shouldn’t pose an environmental hazard, but it’s probably a good idea to have an old mirror tested if you’re concerned.

DIANA NEWMAN said:
September 21st, 2008 - 10:26 pm

I HAVE A VERY OLD MIRROR THAT WAS USED FOR ADVERTIEMENT FOR FARMERS INSURANCE .IT IS OVER 100 YEARS OLD. WERE CAN I FIND OUT THE VALUE???

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