How do I date a table mirror?

Dating relies on the construction of the drawer linings, the thickness of the glass, and the profile of the mouldings. Earlier Georgian examples often feature hand-cut dovetails and bevelled edges, while Victorian pieces show heavier timbers and different turning on the support arms.

Where should I place a table mirror?

These pieces sit comfortably on dressing tables, chests of drawers, or sideboards in bedrooms and hallways. They require a stable surface where the swivelling frame has enough clearance to tilt without obstruction.

Are the mirror plates original?

Many older pieces retain their original mercury or silvered glass, which often develops characteristic spots and light foxing. Replacement glass appears in some pieces where the original silvering degraded beyond use over the centuries.

How do I care for the wood and glass?

Maintenance involves dusting the timber with a dry cloth and feeding the polish occasionally with a suitable wax. Glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly avoids seeping moisture into the wooden frame joints.