Common home essentials like mirrors can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on when they are made. Antique mirrors worth money are usually exquisite decorative pieces that have been preserved over hundreds of years. But what makes an antique mirror valuable? And how can you find out whether a mirror that you have is antique or vintage?
From historical pieces that have been owned by important figures in society, to exquisitely crafted frames, this is everything there is to know about antique mirrors of the years and the value that comes from them.
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History of Antique Mirrors
Before we dive into the value of antique mirrors, let’s figure out the history and why they are so important for collectors. Interestingly enough, mirrors are a more recent home good, the first being in Italy during the 16th century. Before then, it was just polished surfaces or flat bodies of water.
They were first known as “looking glasses” and were made from lead glass created by blown cylinders. As the decades went by, there were more methods and techniques to refine them into what we know today as mirrors. Soon they became the symbol of luxury in society, but as methods were refined even more, they became easier to make with cheaper, faster processes.
Antique Mirror Characteristics
When figuring out the value of mirrors, one of the best ways to start is by figuring out their characteristics, or attributes. These determine the era of the mirror, which overall helps figure out the price.
For instance, the Gothic era featured mirrors that often had an oak frame, intricate carvings, and an arch shape. For Baroque, the frames are usually gold or silver gilding. Rococo frames were often made of walnut or mahogany wood, which is pretty dark comparatively, gilded, ornate, and heavy.
The Neoclassical era features mirrors with frames that still had gilding but tended to have simpler designs. Georgian frames had a wide range of colors and styles, with the most common being the swing mirrors. In the Regency era, gold gilding was popular and had architectural columned frames with some symbols like eagles or leaf motifs on them.
Another example is the Victorian era which often had overmantle mirrors that were very ornate and well-decorated. Some were even made of metal or darker wood like rosewood.
What to Look for in Antique Mirrors
Have an antique mirror in need of appraisal? Or want to begin the hunt for a valuable antique mirror? There are some main things to check out before determining if the mirror is worth value. These three pieces will not only help you find out if it’s an antique mirror or if it’s a vintage mirror but also find out if it could be worth a substantial amount of money.
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Glass Color
The glass in antique mirrors was all backed with silver mercury, which over time, created cloudy-looking glass due to oxidation. This can help determine if you have an antique mirror or not. The glass can also help the value, as some mirrors that have color blemishes actually increase the value.
The glass should be slightly gray or yellow and might have bubbles on the surface. The imperfections that you might think lower the value actually help prove that it’s an antique. However, if there are man-made scratches or blemishes, that will decrease the value of an antique mirror.
Back of Mirror
From the front of the mirror to the back, there are several things to check before figuring out the price. The back of the mirror can help you figure out a lot of information, such as the marker’s label or inscription, which can help pinpoint when and who made it.
The back of antique mirrors are generally made of wood, while newer mirrors are made of stiff paper or plastic. Also seeing small details like nails and screws is important, as they weren’t used to make antique nails. Even if it’s for repair, having modern inclusions like nails can lower the value immensely.
Mirror Frame
Similar it he mirror style, the frame is another thing to look for when looking at antique mirrors. Antique frames are all handmade, while newer ones have machines. So if you see imperfections, it’s most likely handmade and a genuine antique. Perfections can make it seem as if it’s vintage or newer rather than older.
Design can also reflect the era of when it was made, for instance, arch and intricate designs can be from Gothic, while motifs can be from Regency era. Wear and tear, like the glass, can help raise the value, as long as it wasn’t from recent damage.
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Are Antique Mirrors Worth Money?
Antique mirrors worth money can range from $500 to $5,000. The price depends on a number of factors listed above. From the era in which they were made, to their quality and condition. Even its rarity, if there are very few of the specific mirrors in the world, then that can also increase the value.
Expensive Antique Mirrors
For an example of some mirrors that can be worth a hefty amount, check out these two from the auction house 1st Dibs.
The first is a Dutch Baroque stone-painted carved lime wood mirror worth $102,000. Dated back at 1711, Baroque is one of the many styles of antique mirrors worth money and features a beautiful frame of intricately carved wood of trophies of arms.
The next example is priced at $176,000. This 18th-century George III carved mirror in the manner of Thomas Johnson is an exceptionally detailed design that incorporates C-scrolls, flowering branch work, leaves, and foliage. Crafted in 1760, this is one of the many antique mirrors worth money that all collectors will want to get their hands on.
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Conclusion
Finding antique mirrors worth money can be easy if you know where to look. From the frame design, the blemishes in the mirror, and the colors, antique mirrors versus vintage or newer mirrors are a beautiful piece of artwork.
Whether for decoration or collecting, antique mirrors can be a great addition to your space. Now that you know how to identify them, and the possible value of some of the more intricate, rare, and large mirrors, you can start work on your investment with these beautiful creations.
