What is mercury glass?

Mercury glass is an early mirror plate backed with a metallic amalgam rather than modern silver, creating a warm, deep reflection. This traditional backing develops natural foxing and dark spots over the decades. These age marks confirm the period authenticity of nineteenth-century French and English wall mirrors.

How do I clean an antique giltwood frame?

Dust giltwood and gesso frames gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding all moisture, commercial cleaning sprays, and abrasive cloths. Water and chemical solvents strip the fragile gold leaf and historical gesso. Preserve the original dry surface by maintaining a stable room temperature away from direct sunlight and dampness.

How do I tell a Victorian mirror from an earlier piece?

Victorian arched wood mirrors often feature machine-sawn timbers, heavier machine-bevelled glass, and robust gesso mouldings reflecting industrial production methods. Earlier Georgian and Regency examples display hand-cut joinery and finer, deeper hand-carved details. Examine the backboards, nail types, and construction joints to confirm the period of manufacture.