Where did people place these mirrors?

These mirrors stood on top of chests of drawers, side tables, or dedicated dressing tables in bedrooms and dressing rooms. Their portable nature meant owners could move them around the house to follow the best daylight. The base boxes provided convenient storage for daily accessories, jewellery, and cosmetics close to hand while preparing for the day.

How do I spot an original glass?

Older mirror glass often displays a slightly uneven reflection, minor surface pitting, and dark specks caused by the degradation of the backing over centuries. Bevelled edges on thin plates also point towards period manufacturing techniques. Completely clear, uniform reflections typically indicate a modern replacement plate fitted into the old wooden frame at a later date.

What is a triplate mirror?

A triplate mirror consists of three separate looking glasses hinged together in a folding arrangement. This configuration allowed the user to view different angles simultaneously during grooming. Such pieces are less common than single-plate swing mirrors and offered a more elaborate setup for dressing rooms.

Are the drawer bases original?

Makers constructed the small drawers inside the base using secondary timbers like oak or pine with neat hand-cut dovetails. Examining the interior construction helps confirm whether the drawer boxes remain undisturbed from the period of manufacture. Repairs or replaced drawer bottoms are common given the heavy use these small compartments received over generations of personal grooming.