How do I date a mirror?

Examining the construction of the wooden frame and the backing boards reveals clues about the period of manufacture. Tool marks and joinery techniques help distinguish eighteenth-century items from nineteenth-century revivals. Inspecting the glass plate provides further evidence. Mercury glass and hand-bevelled edges typically point to older production dates.

Where should I hang it?

These mirrors suit formal reception rooms, hallways, and bedrooms where they can reflect light and open up the space. Placing one above a mantelpiece or a console table creates a balanced focal point. Ensure the wall structure supports the weight of the carved wooden frame. Secure fixings are essential for larger wall and overmantel formats.

What is mercury glass?

Mercury glass refers to double-walled blown glass silvered with a liquid mercury amalgam. This technique was common in older mirrors before safer silvering methods took over. Over time, this material develops characteristic spots and dark patches known as foxing. These age marks do not detract from the authenticity of the piece.