Queen Anne Carved Walnut and Gilt-gesso Mirror, England, mid-18th century, Auctioned for $14,220.
I’ve always been attracted to antique mirrors, and have been collecting them for quite a while. One time, my mother came to an auction preview I’d put together as director of the American Furniture & Decorative Arts department at Skinner. She was in her nineties at this point, and not a stranger to blunt questions. She took one look at an antique mirror on the wall, and asked, “Why would anyone want that?” It was a Queen Anne mirror with totally untouched surface. The glass was reflective, but so foggy and misty from age that it wouldn’t really be useful as a mirror. Still, it was worth thousands of dollars.
Most people who collect antique mirrors don’t intend to use them to look at themselves. The mirror is a decorative accessory, one that can open up a room and make it seem bigger. As an example, a few years ago I purchased a gigantic early 19th century mirror in a gilt gold frame to hang at the end of a hallway in my home on the Cape. It reflects light from any source, and makes a huge difference. Now the hallway doesn’t seem so claustrophobic.
The most valuable antique mirrors are ones that have not been restored, repainted, or re-gilded. Collectors love mirrors that still have the original surface embellished with decorations, such as gilded flowers and shells. Ideally, the mirror glass will be original as well. A mirror with marred original glass, flaws and all, is always worth more than a mirror with a replaced glass.
The earliest mirrors in the United States actually came from other countries like England, France, Spain, or even Scandinavia. Technically these 18th century mirrors were imports, but they have been a part of American decoration for so long that collectors of American antiques seek them out. Examples include mirrors made throughout the 18th to early 19th century.
Federal Gilt-gesso Eglomise Mirror, probably Massachusetts, c. 1815, Auctioned for $2,607.
A recent example sold at Skinner was a Queen Anne carved walnut mirror from England, in original condition, which sold for over $14,000 in 2010. If that mirror had been refinished or re-gilded, and if the glass had been replaced, it would have brought a fraction of that amount.
By the early 19th century, American makers had started producing mirrors by the thousands. Mirrors of the Federal period may be made of woods such as mahogany with exotic inlaid designs in the cresting, the decorative panels above the mirror. For example, in 2009 Skinner sold a Federal gilt-gesso eglomise mirror from around 1815 for over $2,500. It depicted an urn full of flowers on a lovely salmon-pink background. This was a particularly fine example of a common form. Similar mirrors of lesser quality in less than perfect condition may sell in the low hundreds.
Mirror glass was expensive and highly prized in the 18th and early 19th century. If you broke a mirror, it really was bad luck. Rather than buying another one, some New Englanders would craft a new mirror from a fragment by fashioning a frame that conformed to the shape of the broken piece. These “Make-Do” mirrors are highly collectible, and can fetch anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
To me, a great antique mirror is like a beautifully framed painting that is ever-changing, depending on where you’re standing in a room. I can’t think of a more versatile decorative antique.
This article was first published in Eat Love Savor Magazine in the Summer 2011 issue.
Do you have any insight into buying guides/resources for collecting mirrors, specifically starburst/sunburst mirrors?
You could try “The Mirror Book” by Herbert F. Schiffer. It’s quite informative. Another smaller book that may be out of print is “The looking glass in America, 1700-1825,” by Helen Comstock. These are reference books, though. The best way to find out about mirror value is to look for comparable examples in auction catalogues.
Greetings I was wondering if someone could help me? I have a Large mirror 6’8″ and 28″ wide Made by Jacques & Hay 1870 in Toronto Ontario.Just a wonderful work of art.For insurance what would value be…Can send pictures Gratefully David
Thank you for your comment. We’ll follow up over email regarding insurance appraisal services at Skinner.
like to see your mirror
I have a old 4 to 5 ft round mirror with flower embellished all around the edge. it goes with the vanity but the vanity is in need of much work.The mirror is pristine and untouched.It is truly amazing and i don’t know what to do with it or what its value might be. I have the it is still in the original frame. any and all suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Vicki
Hello,
I have a mirror that I believe you would find very interesting. I would love to send you pictures and get your opinion. Is there a contact email I could reach you at?
Colton,
Thank you for your comment. Please send pictures using our online auction evaluation form: secure.skinnerinc.com/appraisals/form.asp The appraisal services team will match your inquiry with the appropriate specialist.
would like to send pics of federal mirror
Please submit photos of your mirror using the auction evaluation form on our website: secure.skinnerinc.com/appraisals/form.asp
i have a off white porcelain handheld mirror with floral design on the back curious to find out the cost i have worked in antique stores since i was young never seen one like this
Hi Carolyn, Skinner’s Appraisal Department would be more than happy to assist you in finding out more about your mirror. Please submit photos and an auction evaluation form via our website: https://www.skinnerinc.com/selling/auction-evaluation-form/ or contact the Appraisal Department directly at 508-970-3299 or appraisals@skinnerinc.com. Thank you!
Have a mirror that is dated back to 16th Century from France Castle.
Hello. I have found a hand mirror. The glass was falling out of it but not broken. It is gold and has cherubs and flowers engraved on to it. The glass piece was taken off and stored. It appears to be Chines and has over 500 markings and letters on the front and back. Where should it be taken to figure out where it came from and how old it is and what it is worth.
Hello Marcy, If you are local to us, you can set an appointment to have your mirror looked at in our Marlborough location. If you are not local to Skinner in Marlborough, Skinner’s Appraisal Department would be more than happy to assist you with more information about selling. You can contact the Appraisal Department directly at 508-970-3299 or evaluations@skinnerinc.com. To submit images, here is the link to the appraisals form on our website: https://www.skinnerinc.com/selling/auction-evaluation-form/
I have a L. M. Castner mirror that I believe is from 1934. Original postage info on back with shipping and also the production number. It is old and heavy and all original. I can send pics.
Hello Todd, We can certainly evaluate your mirror and possibly consign it to auction, please contact the Skinner Appraisal Department – they would be more than happy to help you find more information about selling. You can contact the Appraisal Department by phone at 508-970-3299 or email evaluations@skinnerinc.com. If you can provide photos – here is the link to the appraisals form on our website: https://www.skinnerinc.com/selling/auction-evaluation-form/ Thank you!