The history of mirrors probably goes back to the time when the first primitive humans spotted their reflection in a shiny rock or a smooth pool water.

Antique and vintage mirrors have remained consistently popular over the centuries. They have the power to enlarge the appearance of a room and to brighten it with reflected light.

What we call mirrors or looking glasses first came into use in Italy in the 16^th century. Various reflective surfaces have been used, including polished brass and silver. But glass has dominated the market in many forms, including lead glass and silvered glass. Once an item only for the rich, technology has evolved to the point where most homes now have one or more mirrors, ranging in size from tiny compact mirrors, to small hand held vanity mirrors, to towering full wall size mirrors.

Is My Mirror Old?

Here are some hints to help determine if your mirror is antique, vintage or modern.

• Check the frame. Most antique mirrors will have wooden frames, many molded with gesso, a type of hard plaster, and then gilt painted. Don’t be too concerned if the gesso has cracked or if the gilding is discolored. That’s probably a good sign.
• Check the glass. Often antique, original glass will have some waviness and bubbling in it. On good early ones, you may be able to peer through the reflective surface and see if any of the silvering on the back has worn off or flaked off.
• Check the back board covering, if there is one. A rough-sawn board with evidence of circular saw marks is a good sign of a mirror that was produced in the 19^th century or earlier.

There are lots more features to check for, and that’s where Sisco Antiques Appraisals can help. If you’d like help with your mirror, just click on the link and we’ll be happy to take a look.

https://siscoantiquesappraisals.com/appraisal/

Framed wooden mirror with the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, Texas.

Wooden mirror frame from Ibadan Oyo kingdom of Nigeria.