This stunning ornate antique French mirror is a magnificent addition to any home decor.

It has lovely decoration and is in very good condition.

The beautiful decoration on its gilded frame is rubbed in places, consistent with age.

It has an original glass plate with and boarded back

112cm wide x 168cm high x 10cm deep

Declaration

Swag Antiques has dated this Antique French Gilt Mirror to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1236239

Dealers Notes

FREE DELIVERY IN ENGLAND/WALES

We have been buying and selling antiques for over 30 years.

We have a wide range of antiques, retro, vintage and decorative pieces in a contemporary setting in our premises in East Sussex.

We source pieces mainly from Europe and the UK and buy

regularly to ensure there is always a good choice of mirrors, furniture and unique pieces.

Due to the proximity of our home to the coast we have monthly buying trips to France so our stock is always changing. We aim to give good value and each item is restored so it is ready to be loved in your home.

Paul and Avril

Description

This stunning ornate antique French mirror is a magnificent addition to any home decor.

It has lovely decoration and is in very good condition.

The beautiful decoration on its gilded frame is rubbed in places, consistent with age.

It has an original glass plate with and boarded back

112cm wide x 168cm high x 10cm deep

Date of Manufacture

Swag Antiques has dated this Antique French Gilt Mirror to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1236239

About the Dealer

Swag Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2017

Decorative antiques for your home.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Swag Antiques Profile Page

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A large nineteenth-century French gilded mirror featuring an arched frame topped with an intricate ribbon crest and beaded border moulding.

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Large French Antique Gilded Mirror C1870

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A large nineteenth-century French gilded mirror featuring an arched frame topped with an intricate ribbon crest and beaded border moulding. View II

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Swag Antiques

Telephone 07850 733269

Location

West Pound
Applesham Farm
Coombes
East Sussex
BN15 0RP
United Kingdom

By appointment only.

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/swagantiques

Verified Since Apr 2017

Items For Sale 76

Items Sold 899

Email Swag Antiques

Large French Antique Gilded Mirror c1870

Ref: SA1236239

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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
StyleFrench Napoleon III
MaterialGesso, Gold Leaf, Timber, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsRibbon and laurel crest, Arched top, Beaded moulding, Foliate corner scrolls

FAQs

French gilt mirrors from this period typically feature pine or oak structures layered with plaster gesso and coated in gold leaf. Design motifs often include crestings such as ribbons, floral swags, and classical arches reflective of the Second Empire and revival periods.

These mirrors were constructed using softwoods or hardwoods for the frame, covered in gesso (a mixture of glue and chalk), followed by red clay bole, and finished with thin sheets of genuine gold leaf applied using water gilding or oil gilding techniques.

Authentic pieces often show hints of the red clay bole beneath areas where the gold leaf has worn naturally over time. They also feature hand-cut wooden backboards, minor craquelure in the gesso layer, and natural oxidisation or foxing on the glass plate.

A large French gilt mirror can be positioned directly above a fireplace mantelpiece or leaned against an accent wall to serve as a focal point. Combining period gilded items with minimalist contemporary furniture provides visual contrast in modern living spaces.

Gilded frames must be cleaned using only a dry, soft microfibre duster or feather duster. Water and chemical cleaning liquids should never be applied directly to gold leaf or gesso, as moisture can dissolve the water-soluble glue layer and lift the gilding.