Superb French Napoleon III Gilt Wall Mirror 19th Century

Name: Superb French Napoleon III Gilt Wall Mirror
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1241760
Price: 995 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Napoleon III Chateau Wall Mirror, Gold Leaf & Gesso, Circa 1850

19th Century

French Napoleon III Style Gilt Wall Mirror

Regency

Small French Gilt Mirror C.1880

1880

Antique French Mirror C1880

1880

19th Century Gilt Cushion

19th Century

Large French Antique Gilt Mirror C1880

1880

19th Century French Gilt Wood Mirror

19th Century

French Gilt Mirror in Two Colour Gilt

19th Century

Regency Giltwood & Gesso Convex Wall Mirror

Regency

Large Gilt Louis Philippe Mirror

19th Century

A Louis XV Giltwood & Gesso Mirror C 1775

18th Century

Fine Rococo Revival Giltwood Frame with Bevelled Mirror Plate.

Edwardian

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectWall Mirrors
Period19th century
StyleNapoleon III
MaterialGiltwood, Gesso, Glass
ColourGold
MotifsCentral urn crest, Acanthus leaf scrolls, Beaded inner moulding

FAQs

Napoleon III mirrors date from the French Second Empire period during the mid-to-late nineteenth century. They typically feature revivalist design elements, incorporating classical motifs such as central urn pediments, acanthus leaves, beaded borders, and gilded compositions.

These mirrors were constructed using pine or oak wooden sub-frames layered with gesso, a plaster-like material moulded into decorative shapes. Gold leaf gilding was applied over a coloured clay base called bole, while silvered or mercury glass formed the reflective mirror surface.

Authentic period pieces show natural signs of age, such as slight oxidisation or foxing on the glass, red or grey clay bole showing through worn gilding, and hand-cut pine backboards secured with old nails on the reverse side.

A gilt mirror can be placed above a modern fireplace, console table, or hallway sideboard to create a focal point. The contrast between warm gold leaf and neutral contemporary wall paint enhances both classical and modern design schemes.

Dust giltwood frames gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush or feather duster, avoiding liquids, sprays, or abrasives that can dissolve water gilding or lift gesso details. Glass should be cleaned by spraying glass cleaner directly onto a microfibre cloth rather than the mirror itself.

Elmgarden

Superb French Napoleon III Gilt Wall Mirror

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Napoleon III Chateau Wall Mirror, Gold Leaf & Gesso, Circa 1850