Something else that increases the value of an antique mirror is if it is one-of-a-kind or the only one left. Knowing history about some famous woodworkers during the time period you suspect the piece to be from can give you some ideas of what to look for. Many older mirrors were handcrafted and therefore contain little clues to the artist. The silver will often fog up in certain areas or de-silver if it is older (we’ll discuss this in more detail later).Īnother way to tell if a mirror is a genuine oldie is by examining the mirror for markings that can identify the manufacturer, such as a name and date, or the signature of the artisan crafted the mirror. Nowadays, it is more likely for silver to be used on the back, but some old mirrors also use silver. If the glass has a shimmer or sparkle to it, it’s possible it is an antique. In the 16 th century, mirrors were made with mercury and tin, which has a crystalline effect when it ages. The manufacturing process for mirror glass, which is a regular sheet of glass with a thin reflective coating on the back, has adapted over the years. Mirrors that have bubbles, creases, or spots are typically this way because of the older, less-refined manufacturing process. Technology has made our ability to be precise and exact in manufacturing create mirrors that are essentially flawless and smooth. The funny thing is, the more flaws there are on the glass, the more likely it is antique. One of the clear tell-signs that a mirror is actually many years old is by a simple examination of the glass. Most experts require that a piece be at least a hundred years old or made before mass manufacturing to be considered a genuine antique. What Is an Antique Mirror?īefore you decide to sell or restore, it is important to know whether that mirror is actually an antique with value or not. So, whether you are looking to sell an “antique” mirror and want to know how much to expect it to be worth, or if you are trying to decide whether to freshen up that dusty one in the attic, you’ve come to the right place.
Good questions, which we can answer right here.
Should you try to restore an antique mirror? If you’re questioning whether the “valuables” you’ve got collecting dust in your attic are just sentimental keepsakes or actual antiques with hidden worth, allow me to spur you on to the next important question. Yes, that is right, just because it looks old, doesn’t make it valuable. The truth is, not all antique looking mirrors actually have age value as you might suppose. They consider them invaluable due to the history they’ve garnered through the various generations they have survived. People often think of their heirloom furniture, such as mirrors, as priceless antiques.
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