Mirrors are considered highly collectible items all around the world, and usually, the older the mirror is the more it is worth. If you are considering purchasing an antique mirror, have a look at the following before you decide which mirror is right for your home.
- Determine whether it is a commercial or handcrafted product. Handcrafted mirrors are worth more than those that were produced for the commercial market.
- Check the mirror glass. According to Hobby Lark, “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 colour is another indicator of age. Old mirror glass has a distinctive yellow or grey cast. Colourless glass indicates a modern mirror or replacement mirror glass. Unfortunately, both instances will negatively affect the value of your mirror.”
- Look at the back. Antique mirrors usually have a wooden backing.
- Avoid buying a fake by doing research before buying.
Join us next time for more interesting facts about collectibles and antiques.
Posted on : 7/1/2020
