Early 18th Century Gilt Mirror with Original Mercury Plate

Name: Early 18th Century Gilt Mirror with Original Mercury Plate
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1207974
Price: 1200 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period18th century
StyleEarly 18th Century
MaterialWood, Gesso, Gold Leaf, Mercury Glass
ColourGold
MotifsHand-carved gesso detail, Egg and dart moulding, Foxed mercury glass
SizeH 95 cm (37 in) x W 82 cm (32 in) x D 5 cm (2 in)

This early 18th-century wall mirror brings French Chateau character to any room, measuring 95 cm high, 82 cm wide, and 5 cm deep. The oval wooden frame is finished with a gold leaf gesso and displays intricate hand-carved gesso detail alongside an egg and dart moulding pattern. The frame exhibits considerable wear with a worn gilt finish revealing the under coat beneath. Held within the decorative borders is an original foxed mercury glass plate, complete with spots and aged marks visible across the reflective surface. A small metal suspension chain rises from the top of the frame for wall hanging. Placed above the mantel in a living room, hallway, or bedroom, the piece provides both period reflection and historical charm to modern interiors.

FAQs

Early 18th-century gilt mirrors are typically characterised by hand-carved timber frames coated in gesso and gold leaf, often exhibiting detailed relief moulding and classical oval or rectangular forms.

Original mercury mirrors were constructed by applying a liquid tin-mercury amalgam onto flat glass plates, creating a distinct visual depth and subtle grey reflectivity unavailable in modern silvered glass.

Authentic mercury glass plates display characteristic age patterns, including localized oxidisation, dark sparkling points, and gentle degradation along the lower edges where liquid mercury settled across centuries.

An antique gilt mirror functions as a focal architectural feature when positioned above a contemporary fireplace mantel, across from a window to reflect light, or paired alongside modern minimalist art.

Gilded wood frames require gentle dusting with a dry, soft bristle brush rather than liquid cleansers, while original mercury glass should be wiped lightly with a dry cloth to protect delicate backings.

Desired Effect Antiques Ltd

Early 18th Century Gilt Mirror with Original Mercury Plate