George II Walnut and Gilded Rococo Mirror

United Kingdom Mid 18th Century

I am pleased to offer this fully developed mid 18th century mirror in a fine state of preservation. The walnut has been polished over an old finish and retains a mellow early color. The carved pine elements are gessoed and gilded with 23 Karat gold leaf and then burnished. Evidently, except for upholstery and bedding, mirrors ( looking glasses) were the second most expensive items in 18th century households. A mirror with similar detail is in the collection of the Portsmouth Historical Society and resides in the John Paul Jones House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Another mirror of closely similar design is in the Henry Ford Museum. Other examples are illustrated in American Antiques From The Israel Sack Collection illus. # 1431, Furniture Treasury by Wallace Nutting illus. 2922 described as owned by pioneer collector Howard Reifsnyder, and American Antique Furniture by Edgar G. Miller, Jr. described as owned by the author. Mirrors of this type are often referred to as American or English.

Price

$19,000

Condition

Excellent. Overall this is in an excellent state of preservation. There have been a few small replacements and reinforced cracks to the gilded elements. There are normal stress cracks (stabilized) due to age shrinkage. The gesso has had some repair/replacement and the gold is refreshed.

Measurements

Height: 4 ft. 5.5 in.
Width/Length: 25.5 in.
Depth: 7 in.