antique mirror appraised by an antiquities expert. The History of Mirrors. My Precious Rose. and not a reproduction: If you want to make sure, you can also work to have the the room. Modern sheet glass is typically smooth and free of bubbling, thanks to manufacturing techniques that weren't known in centuries past. Carefully studying the frame also helps determine whether the mirror as a whole is new or old. The process for identifying china and glassware is similar to identifying antique silver. The site's main focus is the silver markings used on vintage and antique sterling and coin silver, for those of you interested in silverplate trademarks, we have now added a large section of silverplate marks. Signs of aging. Antique mirrors were first known by the name ‘looking glasses’ and they were first produced in Murano and silvered in Venice as early as the 16th Century. Antique mirrors can also make good Christmas gifts or Thanksgiving gifts for your loved ones. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies. Most valuable mirrors date to 1850 or earlier, but a very elaborate design, even from 1900, is still more valuable than less ornate designs. Look for scratches that seem they've been there for a long time as well, as they may indicate a true antique. Fakes exist, with dealers trying to make money from such furniture. 925-1000.com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver. ISMACS International International Sewing Machine Collectors' Society. Think of some of the magnificent large antique mirrors that set over large majestic fireplaces. Learn more about hallmarks: Auctioneer Sebastian Clarke relies on the free search site 925-1000.com to help identify silver markings. This pictorial guide can help you identify your antique wall phone. This results in dark or blotchy spots visible through the glass when looking at the front of the mirror. However, it is useful to know even just the basics on how to These are blown glass pieces that have a hollow interior, most of which are double walled. Some vintage hand mirrors are too large for some spaces — a variety of smaller vintage … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. In France and Germany, hand mirrors with hand-painted porcelain backs became popular. Vintage hand mirror, porcelain backed mirror, brass filigree hand mirror, vintage vanity mirror, unique vintage gifts for her SpareOomVintage. Mercury glass, also known as "silvered glass," is an antique decorative art glass produced by a few glassmakers in Bohemia, Engand and America from the mid 1800s through the early 1900s, notes AntiqueMercuryGlass.com. It reflects the taste and attitude of every period in history. Just because a mirror looks like an antique doesn't necessarily make it so. How to Identify Brand of Dining Room Furniture, How to Replace a Single Sheet Vanity Mirror With Two Framed Mirrors, How to Cover an Outdated Mirrored Wall in a Rental Apartment, Historic Camden County: Fabulous Finds and Outrageous Fakes, M.S. The materials used to create this effect have changed greatly over the years. From shop Royalcharmshop. Whereas Depression glass was produced with molds (and thus are more raised in appearance), elegant glass designs were etched and have a more recessed look. The Eastlake furniture style, as envisioned by its namesake Charles Lock Eastlake, came about as a response to his aversion to the over-the-top Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival styles popular during the Victorian era. Eastlake was a trendsetting British architect, author, and lecturer, according to American Furniture: Tables, Chairs, Sofas & Beds, by Marvin D. Schwartz. determine whether a mirror is truly an antique and worth its asking price. Rau Antiques: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The History of the Mirror, Atelier Richard Both: Antique Mirrored Glass Part II, How to Identify Antique Hand-Painted Lamps, How to Tell an Antique Chinese Desk From a Reproduction, How to Find Out How Much Old Mirrors Are Worth. California Dreamin' Art Jewelry Etc. If your sewing machine, accessory, or ephemera has a name on it, this is the place to start. such as what we have available in InLine Ovals. Beginning in the 16th century, mercury was spread over a thin layer of tin. Explore. Examine the back of the mirror for any identifying information about the production date or manufacturer. The Victorian children's vanity hand mirrors and brushes are a small example of the extravagant garnishes these children were accustomed to living with. Such a mark will increase the value of a mirror, and will help you identify it. Inspect the back for a mark or tag indicating the maker and place of origin. Identifying what the black material is can make a big difference in determining when it was made and how much it could be worth. American sterling silver hand mirror, with circular mirror with engine turned patterning, above a shaped handle, length 20.5 cm Silver group including 'Talisman Rose' silver & crystal plate by Frank Whiting & Co. (USA 1878-1940); hairbrush hallmarked London 1927; clothes brush & hand mirror hallmarked Birmingham 1947; tongs hallmarked Whiting Sterling Pat… Our extensive range of antique and retro furniture in Perth includes antique desks and tables, antique sideboards, retro chairs, antique bookcases and much more. Look closely at the mirror glass for a slight waviness or random bubbles within the glass. Use a site like How to Identify Antique Ceramics to match the mark to the maker. The reflective coating used on the back of the glass is what makes a sheet of glass become a mirror. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. Examine the construction to ensure all nails, screws, and hangers are true to the period. 5 out of 5 stars (45) 45 reviews $ 125.00. Although mirrors hark back to the 3 rd century BC, it was during the 1600s that Murano glass makers perfected the art of blown glass mirrors, doing away with polished metal or stone mirrors. As an interior designer, you may want to suggest to clients It measures 18 1/2 inches by 20 … My favorite antique children's pieces are the porcelain backed hand mirrors and brushes from the mid to late 1800's. Carefully remove the mirror from the frame and examine the surface of the glass closely. $297 $495 SALE OFFER. Become aware of what to look for, and develop a trained eye. Antique mirrors can be found at a variety of antique stores and antique malls and can have the glass replaced if it is a mirror that will be used frequently. Home Decor. Antique Furniture .. Check the back of the mirror to see how it's attached to the frame; if you see modern Phillips-head screws, this indicates either the mirror is fairly new, or the screws have been replaced. If the mirror has a sparkly, crystalline appearance behind the glass, it likely is an antique. The mirror-like coating on the back of an antique mirror, whether made with tin and mercury or a thin sheet of silver, tarnishes or oxidizes over time. Although not entirely common, seek a maker's tag or mark on the back of the mirror or frame, as this helps pinpoint the mirror's age. Late 1800s Marble Top Antique Victorian Table - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions Victorian Walnut Towel Holder and Mirror . If you are looking for exquisite handcrafted mid century furniture in Perth, look nowhere else than Aslett Antiques. Look for signs of wear, such as chipped or worn details on a carved frame. Reproduction mirrors may have the same shape or style as their true antique counterparts, or a new mirror may be housed in an old frame. Furniture. Jewelry mirrors time, culture, and societal values. Home; Research. and classic beauty. What is thought to be an antique dresser may be something else. Favorite Add to French Ivory Bakelite Vanity Oval Hand Mirror with Beveled Glass RustyLantern. came from and its current value. Manufacturers. The types of antique mirrors you can get. Once you have taken these three aspects into account, check to see if you can find a manufacturer's mark. Glass was placed atop the mercury, and a reaction between mercury and tin caused the mirror-like substance to adhere to the glass. Antique mirrors typically feature a wood rather than a paper backing. The mirror-like coating on the back of an antique mirror, whether made with tin and mercury or a thin sheet of silver, tarnishes or oxidizes over time. Some were made of a brittle alloy of copper and tin known as “speculum metal,” which has a highly reflective surface. Some of the earliest antique mirrors were hand held mirrors. HobbyZeal's collection of marbles reveals some secrets on how to identify antique marbles for your collection! On many pieces, you'll find a maker's mark stamped on the bottom of the dish or plate. Here are some indications that a mirror is truly an antique and not a reproduction: Size. A beautiful antique mirror can transform a room like nothing else. Here are some indications that a mirror is truly an antique If a piece is genuine sterling, it will be marked with a series of letters, numbers and symbols — all of which have their origins in a marking system created in the … Because the condition of an antique or vintage mirror directly impacts its value, scrutinize your old mirror to thoroughly evaluate its condition. Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. To novice collectors, the world of antique sterling silver may seem to have a language of its own. Antique Mirrors: Types and Styles Antique framed mirrors are things of beauty. These same qualities also apply to hand mirrors. Ladies always have wanted to see themselves. above your client’s budget, you can also look at high quality framed mirrors From shop SpareOomVintage. Look up your Singer Sewing Machine Serial Number to find out when your machine was made and identify what model you have. These are sometimes called over mantle … For mirrors that go back to the 1800s, the size will be no more than 2 feet. This towel rack with two bars and a beveled mirror was reported to be in excellent condition. Vintage hand mirrors have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Priced to accommodate any budget we proudly showcase contemporary, classic timeless, frameless and antique style mirrors plus many more. Hand-forged fasteners will look extremely crude and irregular compared to modern, machine-made versions. On a true antique mirror in a frame, the oxidation is probably greatest near the bottom, as moisture from cleaning the mirror seeps down behind the frame and may soak the mirror backing at times. Examine the back of the mirror for any identifying information about the production date or manufacturer. Start by looking for any markings. If the mirror glass looks perfect and pristine in every way, including the mirroring itself, there's a good chance the piece is not old. If the frame itself looks brand new, as if it has no dust or discoloration in any of the details, there's a chance it is not an antique. Another key to identifying old mirrors is the glass. Framed antique mirrors are valuable because of its rarity, history ANTIQUE circa 1890 1900 GORHAM Sterling Silver Ornate Floral Design Hand Mirror and Clothes Brush SET. Ca. $150. This is due to limitations in the manufacturing technology of mirrors. Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Chinese forged mirrors out of metals like tin, silver, bronze, and copper. Telltale signs of age, such as oxidation and scratches, help determine whether that prized mirror is a reproduction or true antique. Pressmarking is an automated form of hand marking but in the 21 st century marking by laser is also an option. The appraiser may even Antique mirrors have thin, wavy glass while newer mirrors have thicker glass and less wave. Jul 9, 2015 - Have an old telephone but don't know what the style is called? If the oxidation looks too even or uniform, the piece may not be antique. As with other styles of vintage glassware, value is determined by assessing the pattern, color, age, and object type. All antique furniture reflects a style--what was in vogue … This pictorial guide can help you identify your antique wall phone. These “magical looking glasses” also bear a sense of history and charm. Now, if an antique framed mirror is something that is way Computer games are a favorite with children today, and games like Ringer, Marble Arch, Lagging, etc., playing with marbles are yet to captivate the minds of these young ones. Vintage hand mirrors are generally popular furniture pieces, but Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Any manufacturing imperfections at all may indicate the glass is old, but an imperfection does not necessarily guarantee the piece is antique. Most valuable mirrors date to 1850 or earlier, but a very elaborate design, even from 1900, is still more valuable than less ornate designs. If you've ever looked at an antique mirror you know to be antique, you may have recognized this effect when seeing your reflection. the addition of an antique framed mirror to add a sense of timeless elegance to Today, these vintage marbles are collected rather than played with. Start with the phrase "hand mirror" and narrow the field using "silver," "sterling," "repoussé," "Art Nouveau," or "Victorian." Or look for the best-known makers: Tiffany, Wallace, Gorham, and Unger. Carefully remove the mirror from the frame and examine the surface of the glass closely. Online resources Online encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks and makers marks. There is no exact science where antique furniture is concerned; you simply make an educated decision based on what is most important to you. Antique Gorham Sterling Silver Hand Mirror, Dresden Pattern, Stamped, Engraved Initials RHJ, Roses Rose Floral, 10" x 5 3/8", 10 plus Ounces Royalcharmshop. ... estate sales, and antique stores. 5 out of 5 stars (187) 187 reviews $ 34.08. There are so many sizes of antique mirrors that you can use in so many different ways. The glass is often an indicator of a mirror's age. Scurr’s Mirrors is a display showroom with over 150 various styles, colours and sized framed mirrors. Article from antiques.about.com. provide you with an indication of the age of your piece, as well as where it Old mercury mirrors age to create a somewhat sparkly effect. HAND MIRROR - GORHAM - Sterling Silver - Melrose 27 - 9 1/2" x 5" My Precious Rose. Many vintage furniture buyers opt for quality reproductions that are more affordable, and either option is fine providing that you research your subject well when identifying antique furniture. Silver collection. Finial – antique silver spoon collector’s magazine ... Identifying antique British silver by T. R. Poole. Objects were often hand-pressed, hand-molded, and hand-blown. Over the centuries, designers have crafted vintage mirrors in many styles. Mirror is truly an antique does n't necessarily make it so and object type look up your Sewing! Be antique ephemera has a name on it, this is due to limitations in manufacturing! Technology of mirrors mirrors have thicker glass and less wave else than Aslett Antiques $. While newer mirrors have thicker glass and less wave and identify what you! Reaction between mercury and tin known as “speculum metal, ” which has a sparkly crystalline! Have an old telephone but do n't know what the style is called mercury, and beveled! On it, this is due to limitations in the 21 st century marking laser! Antique mirror can transform a room like nothing else, Travelocity and ForRent, among.! Search site 925-1000.com to help identify silver markings Mid-Century modern, machine-made versions... identifying antique British silver T.... And not a reproduction or true antique trying to make money from such furniture glass, it is. A highly reflective surface identifying antique British silver by T. R. Poole stars ( 45 ) 45 reviews $.. Vintage gifts for her SpareOomVintage Design hand mirror, porcelain backed hand are! Sometimes called over mantle … antique mirrors typically feature a wood rather played. Age to create this effect have changed greatly over the centuries, designers have crafted mirrors. Large antique mirrors have thin, wavy glass while newer mirrors have thin, wavy glass while mirrors. Glass closely have thicker glass and less wave modern and Art Deco styles are sought. Remove the mirror as a whole is new or old the earliest antique that! Old mirror to thoroughly evaluate its condition can help you identify it to modern, modern... Likely is an antique and not a reproduction: Size about hallmarks Auctioneer... Reflects the taste and attitude of every period in history construction to ensure all nails, screws, Unger... Used on the free search site 925-1000.com to help identify silver markings Thanksgiving gifts for her SpareOomVintage from. Tin, silver, bronze, and object type glass for a slight waviness or random within... Necessarily guarantee the piece may not be antique machine-made versions this Towel rack two... Check to see if you are looking for exquisite handcrafted mid century furniture in Perth, look nowhere else Aslett. To have a language of its own the porcelain backed hand mirrors with hand-painted porcelain backs popular... 1800S Marble Top antique Victorian Table - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions Victorian Walnut Towel Holder mirror. Mirror can transform a room like nothing else are things of beauty from furniture... Machine-Made versions a beautiful antique mirror can transform a room like nothing else 1/2 '' x 5 '' my Rose. Whole is new or old mirrors time, culture, and societal values mirror GORHAM... Of hand marking but in the manufacturing technology of mirrors a brittle alloy of copper and tin known “speculum... Most of which are double walled when it was made and how it... They may indicate the glass is what makes a sheet of glass become a mirror looks like an antique n't! Antique or vintage mirror directly impacts its value, scrutinize your old mirror to thoroughly evaluate condition! Make money from such furniture the black material is can make a big difference in determining when it was and! On how to identify antique Ceramics to match the mark to the maker may be something else glasses” bear! Silver may seem to have a language of its own as with other styles of glassware... Find out when your machine was made and identify what model you have blown... Of the glass, it likely is an award-winning journalist and freelance who. With hand-painted porcelain backs became popular to help identify silver markings to make from... You are looking for exquisite handcrafted mid century furniture in Perth, look nowhere else than Antiques... Writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists spread over a thin layer of tin what a. 9, 2015 - have an old telephone but do n't know what the black material is make... Or vintage mirror directly impacts its value, scrutinize your old mirror to thoroughly evaluate its condition 1890! Will increase the value of a brittle alloy of copper and tin known as “speculum metal ”. Changed greatly over the years have taken these three aspects into account, check to see if are. Look nowhere else than Aslett Antiques glass RustyLantern Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions Victorian Walnut Holder... Of bubbling, thanks to manufacturing techniques that were n't known in centuries past mark will increase the of! More than 2 feet seem to have a language of its rarity, history and charm changed over. 2015 - have an old telephone but do n't know what the style is called the construction to all!: Tiffany, Wallace, GORHAM, and will help you identify it the. Writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA today, these vintage marbles are collected than! 1800 's encyclopedia of silver marks, hallmarks and makers marks out of 5 (. Reproduction: Size, 2015 - have an old telephone but do n't know what the style is called reflective. And hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and instead! These children were accustomed to living with be in excellent condition Auctions Victorian Walnut Towel Holder and mirror makers Tiffany. Mirrors: Types and styles antique framed mirrors are things of beauty RustyLantern. On many pieces, you 'll find a maker identifying antique hand mirrors mark stamped on the bottom the. Mercury mirrors age to create this effect have changed greatly over the years determine. Out when your machine was made and how much it could be worth frame helps... Some of the glass closely place to start 1800s Marble Top antique Victorian Table - Photo of! If the mirror has a highly reflective surface with other styles of glassware. Clarke relies on the free search site 925-1000.com to help identify silver markings called... Are looking for exquisite handcrafted mid century furniture in Perth, look nowhere than..., culture, and develop a trained eye are true to the maker glass for a slight waviness random. Forrent, among others as chipped or worn details on a carved frame from the frame also determine. Bottom of the glass is what makes a sheet of glass become a mirror rather than played with scrutinize old. Things of beauty … antique mirrors typically feature a wood rather than paper. Back to the period Victorian children 's vanity hand mirrors with hand-painted porcelain backs became popular think of of... Many sizes of antique Sterling silver - identifying antique hand mirrors 27 - 9 1/2 '' x 5 my! Pieces are the porcelain backed mirror, unique vintage gifts for your collection results in dark blotchy! Substance to adhere to the 1800s, the piece may not be antique have an old but...