Name: French Gilt Mirror with Original Glass & Backboards C.1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1142164
Price: 795 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by The Old Cinema

Sold 29 May 2025 · The Old Cinema

This “French Gilt Mirror with Original Glass & Backboards C.1880” found a buyer.

It was listed by The Old Cinema. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

An antique French gilt mirror dating to the 19th century, retaining its original glass and backboards. The rectangular frame is decorated with beaded and foliate mouldings, with oval cartouches set along the sides. A pierced crest featuring scrollwork and acanthus leaves crowns the top, with matching detailing to the base and side mounts. The mercury glass shows gentle ageing, consistent with period mirrors, while the gilt finish appears to be water-gilded over gesso.

Physical Dimensions

Height

119cm (46.85")

Width

82.5cm (32.48")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

The Old Cinema has dated this French Gilt Mirror to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1142164

Dealers Internal Reference

46877

Description

An antique French gilt mirror dating to the 19th century, retaining its original glass and backboards.

“

The rectangular frame is decorated with beaded and foliate mouldings, with oval cartouches set along the sides.

The Old Cinema

A pierced crest featuring scrollwork and acanthus leaves crowns the top, with matching detailing to the base and side mounts. The mercury glass shows gentle ageing, consistent with period mirrors, while the gilt finish appears to be water-gilded over gesso.

Physical Dimensions

Height

119cm (46.85")

Width

82.5cm (32.48")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Date of Manufacture

The Old Cinema has dated this French Gilt Mirror to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1142164

Dealers Internal Ref

46877

About the Dealer

The Old Cinema

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2020

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The Old Cinema Profile Page

PDF

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An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass.

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Archive I

French Gilt Mirror with Original Glass & Backboards C.1880

Archive II

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View II

Archive III

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View III

Archive IV

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View IV

Archive V

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View V

Archive VI

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View VI

Archive VII

An ornate rectangular French gilt wall mirror featuring an elaborate carved crest and original glass. View VII

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The Old Cinema

Telephone 0208 995 4166

Location

160 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 1PR
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/theoldcinema

Verified Since Jul 2020

Items For Sale 111

Items Sold 1,555

Email The Old Cinema

French Gilt Mirror with Original Glass & Backboards c.1880

Ref: SA1142164

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleFrench Antique
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass, Timber
ColourGold
MotifsCrested top, Beaded inner border, Scrollwork, Leaf moulding
SizeH 119 cm (47 in) x W 82.5 cm (32 in) x D 10 cm (4 in)

FAQs

Late nineteenth century French gilt mirrors typically feature classical ornamentation, elaborate crests, and gesso over carved wood frames finished with gold leaf or metallic paint.

These pieces are traditionally constructed using a softwood or hardwood frame, layered with gesso, hand-carved or moulded details, and finished with gold leaf, alongside original mercury or silvered mirror glass secured with early timber backboards.

Authenticity is identified through period-appropriate construction methods such as hand-cut joinery on the backboards, oxidisation and foxing on the original glass plate, and the subtle crazing or shrinkage cracks within the gesso layer.

A gilded mirror serves as a strong focal point and can be juxtaposed against minimalist architecture, neutral walls, or clean-lined modern furniture to add depth, light, and historic contrast.

Dust gently with a dry, soft brush to protect the delicate gold leaf, and clean the glass using a lint-free cloth with glass cleaner applied sparingly to the cloth rather than directly onto the mirror surface to prevent moisture damage to the frame.