Dating antique mirrors

How can you tell if a mirror is antique?

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.

Why do antique mirrors oxidize?

Because antique mirrors are generally backed by a very thin sheet of reflective metal, like silver or gold, you can expect to notice some level of oxidization over time. Due to the accumulation of moisture seeping between the glass and the sheet of metal, oxidation will most likely be visible towards the bottom of the mirror.

Are mirrors antiques or heirlooms?

People often think of their heirloom furniture, such as mirrors, as priceless antiques. They consider them invaluable due to the history they’ve garnered through the various generations they have survived.

Does the age of a mirror affect its value?

In most cases, a direct correlation exists between the age of a mirror and its value. Mass-produced examples from the early 20 th century do not command the same price as handcrafted antique mirrors from the 1800s and earlier.

How do I identify old mirrors?

Another key to identifying old mirrors is the glass. Antique mirrors have thin, wavy glass while newer mirrors have thicker glass and less wave. Once you have taken these three aspects into account, check to see if you can find a manufacturers mark. Such a mark will increase the value of a mirror, and will help you identify it.

What happens to the back of an antique mirror?

Aging Gracefully. 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. This results in dark or blotchy spots visible through the glass when looking at the front of the mirror.

What are antique mirrors made of?

Antique mirrors are commonly made of glass coated by silver, gold, or chrome. Outside of the use of tin and mercury in Venetian antique mirrors, which causes a mirrors to develop a crystalline appearance as it ages, there are other telltale signs of a mirror’s age.

How to tell if a mirror is real or fake?

As for the mirror, there will be some spots and discolorations, particularly at the lower area. Give the frame a careful sniff – newer framed mirrors will give the smell of newly processed wood. Imperfect glass. The method for manufacturing glass was only perfected during the modern times.

Do antique looking mirrors have age value?

The truth is, not all antique looking mirrors actually have age value as you might suppose. Yes, that is right, just because it looks old, doesn’t make it valuable.

What happens to the back of an antique mirror?

Aging Gracefully. 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. This results in dark or blotchy spots visible through the glass when looking at the front of the mirror.

How can you tell the age of a mirror by its reflection?

It is supposed to indicate a mirrors age by holding a candle or lighter close to the mirror and count how many flames in the reflection. Then you multiply that number by 7 to calculate the mirrors age . Not something experts use but it is an amusing anecdote.

Is your old mirror worth more than you think?

Linda is a seasoned writer and bedrooms authority. She loves sharing design trends, decor ideas, and useful tips with her readers. Whether you inherited it from your great-grandmother or picked it up at an estate sale, your old mirror may be worth more than you realize.