Antique Mirrors Around The House
Over the last ten years, the prevalence of online auction sites like eBay and Ruby Junction has changed the face of antique glassware collecting. These changes affect antique mirrors as much as they impact any other antique product.
Browsing eBay sales proves one thing: antique mirrors can be extremely valuable. Perhaps you have an antique mirror in the attic or basement somewhere, or hanging on the wall in a back hallway. You might look at it differently after you read more about collecting antique mirrors.
Antique Framed Mirrors
When it comes to old mirrors, it's not the mirror; it's what's around the mirror. Without a doubt, an antique mirror in its original frame is far more valuable than an unframed mirror. Frames may be wood, metal, gilt on gesso, rococo, or stone. The mirror itself is, of course, more valuable when the finish is in good condition, with little flaking and no cracks.
Antique Convex Mirrors
Old convex mirrors retain their value very well, especially when they are surrounded by American Eagles carved in round gilt frames. A 31-inch wide mirror dating between 1790 and 1815 recently sold at auction for $6,000, while a similar piece sold with a seahorse at the top instead of a screaming eagle sold for $4,750.
Rectangular Gilt Framed Mirrors
If that mirror in your attic is an antique French mirror with cherubs carved in a gold gilt frame, you may have quite a treasure on your hands. Such an antique mirror, circa 1860, went for $7,988 on eBay.
Bone And Ivory Mirrors
Antique mirrors carved from ivory and bone can be incredibly ornate and valuable. Such an item recently sold at auction for $5,500; however, the estimate on this mirror was $16,000 to $18,000. Why the disparity?
Many people these days are turned off by the idea of buying a piece of art that was once attached to a living thing. Just as modern, environmentally conscious people eschew fur coats and fur trim on jackets, they recognize that making art from a dead animal's bones or tusks is just plain wrong.
Antique Mirrored Wardrobes
If you don't have any old mirrors hanging around the house, there might be value in mirrors that are built into your furniture, especially if you have an antique mirrored armoire or wardrobe. The mirrored doors on these old pieces made them the only piece of furniture you needed in a bedroom, besides a bed and chair.
Vintage mirrors add a touch of elegance and charm to any décor. If you search your entire house and never turn up an old mirror, then you should go out and look for one at your closest antiques store.
