How do I clean a dusty gilded frame?

Do not use water or liquid polishes on an antique gilded frame. The moisture dissolves the rabbit skin glue holding the gesso together, causing the gold leaf to lift and flake off. Instead, take a soft artist's brush and lightly dust the crevices. If the dirt is stubborn, leave it alone. A layer of dust is preferable to a stripped wooden carcase.

My mirror has these dark grey cloudy patches right in the middle of the glass, is there any way to polish them out?

Those cloudy spots sit behind the glass. They form when the original tin and mercury amalgam breaks down and separates from the back of the plate. You can't polish them away from the front. Removing the backboard to resilver the mirror strips away the history of the piece. Most buyers prefer antique wall mirrors with some atmospheric spotting.

Can I safely remove the old backboards?

Original pine backboards hold significant historical evidence. They often retain early labels or hand-forged nails. Keep them in place unless they're suffering from severe woodworm. If they must come off to secure a loose plate, save the original boards and fix them back over the new support.

I am looking at a large mahogany mirror to hang above a fireplace, but the glass looks clear without any speckles, is this normal?

Clear glass in an eighteenth-century frame generally indicates a later replacement plate. Victorian or Edwardian owners often discarded hazy original plates because they wanted newer cast glass. While this changes the character of the piece, it makes the item more practical for daily use. Some people want an unmarked reflection for dressing. Others want the dark look of early mercury glass. It depends on what you need from the antique.

0

56,091 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 82 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

DEALER LOGIN

0

Saved

Wall Mirrors

Gothic

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Antique Mirrors

Gothic Wall Mirrors

← Page 3 of 3 →

Antique wall mirrors consist of a reflective glass plate secured within a decorative frame of wood or gesso, originally designed to maximise scarce indoor light and serve wealthy households.

Walnut Mirror in the Form of a Heraldic Shield

19th century

Save

Walnut Mirror in the Form of a Heraldic Shield

From Hatchwell Antiques

£1,450

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

mirrors

19th century

Save

Unusual 'Oxford Movement' Oak Mirror

From Shaun King Antiques

£685

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

mirrors

Victorian Large Mahogany Fretwork Wall Mirror

19th century

Save

Victorian Large Mahogany Fretwork Wall Mirror

From Harrison Antique Furniture

£790

APPROVED 3+ MONTHS AGO

mirrors

← 1 2 3 →

66,729

Antiques For Sale

82

Antiques Approved Today

3,069

Antique Uploads This Month

56,091

Page Views Today

440,775

Total Antiques Sold

Gothic Wall Mirrors

Walnut Mirror in the Form of a Heraldic Shield

Unusual 'Oxford Movement' Oak Mirror

Victorian Large Mahogany Fretwork Wall Mirror

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories