How do I date and describe this mirror?

Thought I’d better start again as when I first asked this question I forgot the photos! I have the beautiful oval mirror but im

mot very good on types of wood so don’t know what it’s made from. Also I need some help describing the style! Thanks


  5 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jul 22, 2019

    are you trying to sell it or redo the mirror? I can't tell by the photo if it is real wood or laminate type wood - it seems to be a traditional style

  • Denise Maruszczak Denise Maruszczak on Jul 22, 2019

    Sell it - it’s real wood just not sure what wood?

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jul 22, 2019

    Since I consult on a lot of period-pieces forums, here are my observations.


    Many antique mirrors are plaster on a wire frame. When you tap the frame with your nails, what does it feel like? Resin?

    I’ve some 50’s resin ornate mirrors and the now-famous manufactures name is molded in the back.


    I don’t think it’s that old based on the mirror’s appearance. Why?

    The bevel is small and steep pitched and the slivering is flawless and it shouldn’t be. Glass flows and the bottom should be thicker than the top. The slivering should be showing some age.


    The “wood”seam has been made more pronounced, than it should be. There should be at least 4 wood seams. They would have been filled before putting the wood stain on. The grain wouldn’t be a perfect oval. I’m wondering if this is wood at all.

    No craftsman would have gone this far & made the one seam look like a scar. They’d lose their job.


    Whatever the back looks like will tell more. The back should be tattered craft paper & some sort of markings. A model number - something.


    You can safely call it a “Classic Vintage”. mirror when you put it on the market. Those buzz words don’t lie.

    Sorry, but I don’t think it’s very old.


    Once you open up the back, we can look at it again, or you can join FB Antiques Identification Groups (but no selling there).

  • Denise Maruszczak Denise Maruszczak on Jul 22, 2019

    Thank you so much, all that information is very useful! The reason I thought it was old was that it belonged to my aunt who died in her 90s about 11 years ago. I will look at the back it might yield some more information. Thank you

    Denise


  • Emily Emily on Jul 22, 2019

    Photos are nice but dimensions are too. I would sell this mirror for between $10 and 18. Unless you own a shop you will be lucky to get that.