How do I clean an ormolu vanity mirror?

Dust the gilt bronze gently with a dry microfibre cloth to remove surface particles without disturbing the finish. Avoid chemical polishes and abrasive cleaners, as these strip the historic gilding and damage the bronze underneath.

Are these mirrors meant to be wall-mounted?

These pieces are designed specifically as tabletop or dressing table mirrors, supported by integrated stands or easel backs. Hanging them on a wall strains the original nineteenth-century pivoting hardware and hinges.

How can I tell an Empire mirror from a Rococo Revival piece?

Empire mirrors display strict symmetry, architectural lines, and classical motifs like columns and wreaths. Rococo Revival mirrors favour asymmetrical scrolls, floral curves, and whimsical natural forms.

What is the difference between ormolu and gilt metal?

Ormolu consists specifically of mercury-gilded or fire-gilded bronze, valued for its deep, heavy metal quality and precise chasing. Gilt metal typically uses a base of brass or a lighter alloy with modern or electroplated gold finishes.