How to Determine the Value of an Old Mirror
The ornately carved mirror hangs above the fireplace, silently guarding its secrets. It is an exquisite addition to your sitting room and a conversation piece long admired by family and friends. Having never given it much thought, you now find yourself curious as to the old mirror’s lineage and value. The discovery process will require a bit of determination and detective work on your part. By employing a combination of physical inspection, research, and expert advice, you can uncover its past and find out just how much your old mirror is worth.
Where to Start?
In most cases, a direct correlation exists between the age of a mirror and its value. Mass-produced examples from the early 20th century do not command the same price as handcrafted antique mirrors from the 1800s and earlier. So, zeroing in on the time your mirror was made will be the first step in determining its value. Begin by performing a thorough inspection of your mirror to see if you can gather enough information to make an educated guess as to its age.
Examine Your Mirror
1. Check the Mirror Glass
The reflective silver mercury backing of an antique mirror breaks down and oxidizes over time, appearing as random cloudy spots around the edges and across the mirror surface. If the mottled patches on your mirror look too uniform, it may be a reproduction mirror plate. Glass color is another indicator of age. Old mirror glass has a distinctive yellow or gray cast. Colorless glass indicates a modern mirror or replacement mirror glass. Unfortunately, both instances will negatively affect the value of your mirror.
Good Info to Help Identify Antique Mirror Glass
2. Inspect the Back
The back of your old mirror also reveals much about its age. Antique mirrors typically feature a wood rather than a paper backing. Examine the construction to ensure all nails, screws, and hangers are true to the period. Hand-forged fasteners will look extremely crude and irregular compared to modern, machine-made versions. Inspect the back for a mark or tag indicating the maker and place of origin.
3. Look for Clues in the Frame
The overall condition and material used to make a mirror frame plays an important role in valuation. Look for imperfections that differentiate a handmade mirror from a pristine reproduction. The frame should show reasonable signs of wear and even minor damage. Old frame materials include solid wood, wood veneer, plaster composition, or metal. Examine the mirror frame for extensive restorative work. A sloppy or obvious repair job will detract from its value.
Check the Condition of Your Mirror Frame
4. Take Note of Fakes
There are some really talented people out there whose sole purpose is to fool us into thinking we own a valuable an antique mirror, when in fact it is an artfully crafted reproduction. They do an excellent job replicating old mirror glass, frames, and even hand-wrought hardware. If you find yourself completely stumped when examining your old mirror, try some of the following tips to further determine if your mirror is the "real deal."
Research Online Antique Sites
Check reputable online antique sites for similar mirrors. A broad search of "antique mahogany mirrors" can produce millions of results and leave you highly frustrated. Look at online photos of old mirrors to identify a time period and style. Once you have a rough idea of the age and style of your mirror, use a combination of descriptive keywords to narrow your search as much as possible.
Words such as "Georgian," "Regency," "Empire," "Louis," or "Victorian" will refer to the monarchy at the time the mirror was made. You can also use keywords like "baroque," "directoire," "gothic," or "neoclassical," which indicate the style of the mirror and also point to a time of manufacture. In addition to giving an idea of value, online antique sites often include details about each mirror—information that may provide insight into the history and rarity of your mirror. Corroborate your findings by consulting multiple online antique and auction sites.
Characteristics of Antique Mirrors From Different Periods
Period
| Years
| Characteristics
|
---|---|---|
Gothic
| Early 1600s and prior
| Pointed arch shape, linen folds, elaborate carvings, dark oak
|
Baroque
| Early 1600s to 1700
| Oval, gilding in gold and silver, cherubs, carved foliage and garlands
|
Rococo
| Early to mid 1700s
| Rectangular, walnut and mahogany, gilding and bronzing, shell motifs, highly ornate
|
Neoclassical
| Mid 1700s to early 1800s
| Oval with flat base, gilded gold or silver, restrained, leaves branches and urn motifs
|
Georgian
| Early to mid 1700s
| Rectangular or oval, symmetrical, veneer over oak, fretwork scrolls
|
Regency
| Late 1700s to early 1800s
| Oval or round, mahogany or gold gild, leaf motifs, Eagle and flags, convex mirror
|
Victorian
| Early 1800s to 1900
| Oversize and rectangular, metal or dark wood, heavy ornamentation
|
Visit Free Appraisal Events
Not everyone is lucky enough to go to an Antiques Roadshow event. However, you can find ethical antique dealers, auction houses, and organizations that offer free appraisal events and services. Contact your local antique society for events in your area. Visit reputable antique dealers offering free appraisal services. Never rely on the opinion of a single dealer, visit several to get a good feel for your mirror’s actual worth.
Try Your Luck at a Free Appraisal Event
Hire an Appraiser
If your investigative work to this point suggests you might own a valuable, old mirror, consider investing in a certified appraisal. An antique appraisal will lend credibility to your research and establishes value. Written appraisals consist of a complete item description, an opinion of fair market retail value, and an indication of replacement value for insurance purposes. Appraisers charge flat fees or hourly rates, which can set you back several hundred dollars based on the amount of information requested.
About Antique Appraisals
Questions & Answers
How do I figure out the time period and value of my mirror?
Take multiple pictures of your mirror (including any numbers or maker's marks) and show them to an antique appraiser or send them to an online appraisal service.
Helpful 23I have a Galax authentic 1957 electro copper plated mirror it's approx 3' x 4'. Stamped made at 11 am, 1957, what is the value?
Its value could be well over $100.
Helpful 5Does a mirror from the 1970s have any potential value?
It could possibly have a decent value depending on its size, the manufacturer and the materials it's made from.
Helpful 5I bought a small hand mirror about fifteen years ago from a charity shop, it is beautiful, however, a friend told me it looks like it could be Victorian, Georgian or maybe a child's hand mirror. It has what seems to be a real moth/butterfly set under a domed casing resting on pink corn and very delicate angel hair. The handle is brass with flowers set in the handle. Do you know where I can find out its history?
The best bet is to take to an antique dealer that might be able to help you determine its history and value. If you can't find a reputable dealer, go online to an appraisal website and upload a few photos of the mirror. You may have to pay a small fee. However, there are a number of free appraisal sites.
Helpful 5I was gifted a sizeable etched mirror in 1980. The mirror has been hanging in my living room ever since. It has a date in the back from the late 1800’s, which I cannot see since it’s hanging on the wall. Who can I contact for its appraisal?
If your city or town is large enough, there should be antique appraisers locally available. Do an online search to find one that might specialize in mirrors. If there aren't any appraisers in your area, there are many online. Send them a few photos, and they can help for a nominal fee, or some will do it for free.
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© 2014 Linda Chechar
Start a Conversation!
I have a labarge mirror with a number of 1594b on the back back of it. Does that give any indication of how old it is? I’m trying to find out it’s value. Thank you.
I have a large (54"x36") it has no frame and beveled edges. It is from he early 1930's. Does it have any alue?
I have a sterling silver round vanity mirror on a round stand with flowers and leaves vine on it and it is has a little weight.can you tell me anything about it ? And if its worth anything of value?
I found 2 mirrors that have HORRS BR 3.19.30 on the backs of them. just the mirrors with no framing. was wondering if they are worth anything. found them while cutting a 18th century farm house attic. thank you Robert
This mirror has no identifying makers marks, any idea of how old it is?
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I have a Nurre Maestro number 1029. Can you tell me anything about it
Have an old looking wall mirror appears to be wood. It is dark with golden color center shell carved in with scroll on each side . mirror is beveled letters on back partially ledgeable G a backwardL J can you tell me anything?
Can you help me find information on a Large Brushed Metal 36"x 23" Rectangle Beveled Frame Mirror, it has a vendor # 57895 and date code 211 on the back. As well as a gold sticker that says made in China and a barcode #050276686576. I have searched and searched and came up with nothing.
Thank you,
Tami
Just found you while researching, very excited. I have been researching a mirror and have found nothing resembling it anywhere online. I can't tell if it's Victorian or Early American. The glass has started to oxidize, the wood is carved, and the back is wood and looks old. I can't find any markings. There's a piece of tape of the back but whatever was on there has completely worn off. I've read through comments below but I'm not sure who would be the best for this particular item. Do you accept pictures? Thank you in advance. Liz
I have a mirror of my grandmothers it frameless with a wooden back and hanging chane with a picture of a cottage with a wheel infront of it do you think it could be antique please
Old mirror with G.B.W stamp on the back
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I have a antique wall mirror which I believe is Georgian with a signature on the back Gustaf something i can't make out the last name it's written in white it's rectangular with a round top it had at one time vaneer decals on it too and bottom
I have a old mirror about 20+ years old. It is a wall mirror and the length of a sofa. It has 3 connecting circles surrounding each circle with a gold frame. Any possible information would be very appreciated.
We have a 1918 mirror, J.R or RJ company any thang you could tell use
Trying to identify an early 1900 (I believe) round mirror with the bottom 1/3 being blue glass and the top 2/3 clear with a sailboat etched on it. Would like to know the origin, and value. Also whether rt not the backing should be repaired to clear up the spots on it.
Wondering the value of an older maybe 1930 or 40 mirror with the bottom 1/3 being blue glass and a sailboat etched into it.
Ornate Antique Carved Wood Gilt 12 3/8” Round Bevelled Mirrors how much can worth?
I have my parents mirror that I know is 78 +. I it is a gold leaf mirror with a pattern around the whole mirror and two objects at the top. I do not know if it was passed onto them from their parents are not. There are no markings so I don't know where to start. Can you recommend a company online that I could send a picture to?
I have mirror with certificate that is verified to be from 1530 but i still cant get a price for it
I have an ornate black rod iron mirror about 4ft tall with cement on back it weighs about a 100 lbs and has the straight screws in it and a little metal lion head on top do you know anything about this
A very wealthy client gave me a large mirror. They said the mirror is worth about $30,000.00. They were moving and the old mirror would not fit in their new house.
It is almost ten feet tall and about 2.5 feet wide. The mirror wrapped with elaborate plaster carving that is gold like in color but not shiny. The back of the mirror seemed to have been painted my hand with some type of matailic paint.
Please help me determine what type of mirror I have. Also a value of the piece and the best way to sell it. Thank you in advance for your wisdom.
Have a beautiful mirror hanging on my wall and can’t see the back. It consists of 3 separate pieces, the center with no engraving, the outer two have identical engraved peacocks on them. I acquired it from an old Jewish women some 50 years ago. It was on her wall too. Don’t know the age. Can you provide me a professional antique advisor? Can send pictures. 803-782-3736
I bought a mirror it really heavy brass I believe it has cherbs on it and a yellow sticker that says that says theodore alexander on it wood on back
I have a 1961 vintage old almost pecan wood frame mirror , that the frame broke off of in a move to reveal the stamp , is it worth anything ? It’s all splotchy with black spots kinda foggy
Hello, please can you value my mirror?
I recently inherited a mirror, on the back it says National mirror works #280. Its octagon beveled peach color large etched mirror. I can not find any information on it. Can ypu give me any tips?
I purchased an oval mirror that I planned to use for my wedding. I did spray paint the frame silver, but as I was taking the frame off I noticed the wooden pieces holding the frame together. I also noticed where it said
This mirror is guaranteed to be genuine electro copper plated. Galax Mirror Company Inc.Galax, Virginia
December 29, either 1965 or 1565 I cant quite read the second number to determine if its a 5 or 9 but it also says 3 pm and the it also.says manufactured under pat nos
2.753.298. I would appreciate any information I also have a few pics, but dont know how to load them
HOW CAN I SEND PHOTOS OF MY MIRROR TO FIND OUT IF IYS OFFICIAL OR NOT?
I have a large gold gilted vintage mirror, that I believe is from early 1800's or earlier.
I have 4 photo's, who can I send to, to get idea of what it is and value?
I have an Arts and Crafts bronze framed mirror that has a patina on it that looks iridescent, all others that ive seen have been polished but , i read that you affect the value of Bronze if you clean it so i am confused, to clean , or not o clean ?
Hello I havelage copper backed mirrors from an abandoned mansion in Justin Texas . The stamp in the back says jan.
1959 they are about 3x5 a quarter in thick . Is there any value
I bought a long Mirror,I think it is old.On the back where the paper has been tore off it saids True Flect Copper Plated
Any way of knowinf if desoto manufacturing of chatt tenn ever made mirrors with eagles on them?
Is it true about the candle/lighter trick to tell if a mirror is an antique?
This is a mirror I have in my basement since 1985 can anyone tell me more about it?
I have a few mirror that i can not identify. they were given to me and the lady was 98 years old and she said the mirror was her mothers along with a hand held mirror and brush. the wall mirror is an arch and the mirror looks as if was out of a scary movie. the hand held mirror and brush has four marks on the side, one being a flower. then I have a real big mirror that is wood carved. Any help would be appreciated
I was wondering if someone can help me in the right direction to go look up a mirror dated December 20th 1950 from Mount Airy Mirror Company I've looked online and I really can't find the information j I'm looking for I know it's not an antique but I'm just curious of the mirror and the making
I am wondering if you can help me find information about the Wonderglo brand or company. Husband just came home with large mirror, super heavy and in great shape except the one peice of the 6 framing pieces was broken in the move. Not looking for value just curious about info. When i google, yours is the only article that isnt a selling site ( ebay etsy, kijiji etc). We are going to fix the broken piece and keep it but i just like learning about pieces we own.
I have a wooden mirror with shelfs in side i remember my mom had 1 whats it woth today i think a 1960
I may have given away a worthy mirror how do i get it back without causing problem do u think person will give it back, also how do i know a mirrors worth it had silver or metal frame trim or borders and wood
I am interested in learning more about designs on the backs of old mirrors.
Hi, I'm very new at this a friend of a friends Mother recently passed. ..she owned 2 homes. My friend took me when the estate was foreclosed on and they were throwing away her life like day old bread. ...the older home she kept antiques and crafts that she made her living on I have 2 large mirrors that match round looks as though one was on a bueru. and matching vanity with carvings in glass in white and topped with navy blue
Hi the first photo on this page, do you have any info on this mirror?
Hi
Just over 40 years ago I inherited a very heavy mirror. As far as I can tell the frame and backing plate are cast iron; the plate is held in place with four small nits and bolts which have never been removed, and it has a strong twisted wire to hang it.
It's oval with an oval bevelled mirror and the whole thing measures 23" x 16". It's decorated with a cherub at the top, and what appear to be eagles (?) at the bottom with various other curlicues, leaves etc around it.
It has been in my husband's family for several generations but I would like more information if you can supply it. Oh - I'm in the UK.
Thank you and regards
Judith
Is a mirror from 1972. Able 2 BE cut with a glass cutter?
Please let me know. Thanks
Thanks!!!!
I have a big beautiful mirror and it looks old , how do I find out it's worth
Hi, I have a big mirror, how can I know it's value?? I live in Mexico and It's a little bit harder to find a person to tell me if it's valuable or even if it's really old or not. Can you help me?
Hi! I have a beveled glass mirror that is approximately 8ft long. 4 ft by width. It is beautiful. With an oak frame. On the back of the mirror it is stamped 1906 San Francisco. It appears flawless. Can u give me an idea of the possible value of this mirror. It is museum monted. This mirror obviously made it through the San Francisco earthquake that took place. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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