Sold 8 December 2025 · Fine Antique Mirrors

This “Fine Antique Giltwood Overmantel Mirror C1870” found a buyer.

It was listed by Fine Antique Mirrors. 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

A fine and well proportioned antique gilt overmantle mirror dating from 1870.

Retaining it's original mercury silvered mirror plate with overall foxing.

Original water-gilding which has a lovely mellow look

Complete with backing boards and hanging plates.

Sizes 108 cm tall, 117.5 cm wide at base, 102 cm wide at mid frame.

Physical Dimensions

Height

108cm (42.52")

Width

117.5cm (46.26")

Declaration

Fine Antique Mirrors has dated this Victorian Giltwood Overmantel Mirror to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1182825

Description

A fine and well proportioned antique gilt overmantle mirror dating from 1870.

Retaining it's original mercury silvered mirror plate with overall foxing.

Original water-gilding which has a lovely mellow look

Complete with backing boards and hanging plates.

Sizes 108 cm tall, 117.5 cm wide at base, 102 cm wide at mid frame.

Physical Dimensions

Height

108cm (42.52")

Width

117.5cm (46.26")

Date of Manufacture

Fine Antique Mirrors has dated this Victorian Giltwood Overmantel Mirror to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1182825

About the Dealer

Fine Antique Mirrors

Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2022

Specializing in antique 18th/19th century gilt mirrors. Gilding restoration undertaken.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Fine Antique Mirrors Profile Page

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An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents.

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A Fine Antique Giltwood Overmantel Mirror C1870

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An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents. View II

Archive III

An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents. View III

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An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents. View IV

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An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents. View V

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An antique arched Victorian giltwood overmantel mirror featuring a molded frame and carved corner accents. View VIII

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Fine Antique Mirrors

Telephone 07779 642030

Location

Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/fineantiquemirrors

Verified Since Jun 2022

Items For Sale 39

Items Sold 34

Email Fine Antique Mirrors

A Fine Antique Giltwood Overmantel Mirror c1870

Ref: SA1182825

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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

ObjectMirrors
Period19th century
StyleVictorian
MaterialGiltwood, Pine, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsArched top, Scrolled corner blocks, Molded frame
SizeH 108 cm (43 in) x W 117.5 cm (46 in)

FAQs

An overmantel mirror is a large looking glass traditionally designed to hang or rest on the mantelpiece above a fireplace. They gained immense popularity during the Victorian era in the 19th century, serving both a functional purpose to reflect light and a decorative function to anchor the hearth.

These mirrors were typically constructed using a carved wood base, often pine or gesso-covered composition ornaments, finished with gold leaf applied over a bole layer. Traditional gilding techniques involved either water gilding or oil gilding to achieve a luminous metallic finish.

Authentic pieces often feature period characteristics such as hand-beveled or older float glass with minor oxidation, original wood backing boards secured with old flat-head screws, and traditional gesso moldings showing age-appropriate craquelure and wear.

Pairing an ornate historical mirror with clean-lined modern furniture creates a striking focal point that adds depth and reflection to a room. Placing it above a modern fireplace or resting it against a neutral wall allows the craftsmanship of the piece to stand out.

Giltwood is extremely delicate and water-soluble in many traditional applications. Dusting should be done gently with a soft, dry brush, avoiding liquid cleaners, harsh chemicals, or direct moisture to prevent damaging the fragile gold leaf.