How do I date a wooden mirror?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, the construction of the backboards, and the method used to cut the frame. Earlier pieces often show hand-sawn marks and pegged joinery, while later Victorian and Edwardian examples utilise machine-sawn components and different finishing materials. The mirror plate itself offers clues through its thickness and bevelling style. Older plates may exhibit slight distortions or foxing spots within the silvering, though plates are frequently replaced over centuries of use.

What is a cheval mirror used for?

A cheval mirror functions as a freestanding dressing glass that tilts within a supportive floor frame. Originating to assist with full-length attire checks, these pieces traditionally stood in bedrooms and dressing rooms. Their mobility allows them to be repositioned easily to catch natural daylight without requiring wall installation. They remain practical bedroom furnishings today.

Why do some antique mirrors have wavy glass?

Older glass manufacturing methods involved blowing or cylinder-drawing molten glass, which naturally produced slight thickness variations and surface ripples. These historical manufacturing quirks create the characteristic distortion seen in antique mirror plates. Rather than a defect, this wavy appearance confirms the age and authenticity of the glass plate. Modern replacement glass typically lacks this optical characteristic.