Looking for Riverside Antique Mirror? Know how to Identify and Buy Antiques

by Bergen Furniture & design Bergen Furniture & design

Do you know the first flat broad-glass mirror was invented in the 16^th century? Wondering what people had been using before that? Well, there’s a long history if you start digging where mirrors originated from, how people used them, and their evolution journey. No matter how much things evolve, there’s something classy about vintage items like Riverside antique mirror.

If you are fond of such mirrors but confused about making the right choice, this guide will help you. Here, you will learn how to identify and buy antique mirrors correctly.

· Start with the Glass: Large-scale manufacturing of glass plates for mirrors began in the 18^th century. And if you can find one with an original plate from back in time, you can crack a highly valuable deal. During the 18^th century, mirror manufacturers used thin glasses with soft, shallow bevelling and uneven cuts. On the contrary, you will find thicker glasses, opposite bevelling, and even acute angle cuts. In addition, antique mirrors were cloudy with colored plates but modern ones are clear and colorless.

· The Frame: Wood was a common material used for antique mirror frames. So, when you are shopping for one, do check the wood for color, wear and tear, and other details. An antique piece will have dark-shaded wood, caused by natural darkening over time. Chipping and staining also indicate frames were built some time ago. Alternatively, frames with near-perfect wood with fewer signs of aging could have been built to replace the older ones, thereby reducing some value. Or you might be looking at a fake or copy of the original antique.

· Screws: Try taking out a screw if possible. Earlier, no machines were there to produce uniform screws with even spiral spaces. Thus, antique screws will likely have irregular shapes and uneven width between spirals. Moreover, the top screw slot will probably be not an exact center. This refers to the fact that screws were hand-made during those times. However, this shouldn’t be a strong point for rejecting an antique as the dealer might have got the screws replaced to avoid frame or mirror damage.

· Detailing: Similar to other aspects, artisans used hands and not machines for detailing as well. Thus, a uniformly finished frame is likely to be a modern product. Those handmade finishes will feature unevenness in some (or all) areas.

· Manufacturing Details: You might also find manufacturing details on the mirror’s backside like manufacturing origins and the name of the maker. Plus, you should prefer wood backing as that’s what antiques used while the modern ones use paper backing.

· Compare Values and Buy from Professionals: Visiting a reputed dealer is suggested to avoid falling a victim to fake deals. Those who deal in furnishings and antiques can give you better ideas and the best prices with assurance of genuineness. Besides, you can also ask them for any alterations or repairs required and the related costs. This way you can evaluate the true values of antique mirrors on your list before buying one.

Don’t forget to save these details for the next time you step out to shop for something like Riverside antique mirror. You can also buy other items like a Basset drawer dresser to match with the mirror and add more glam to your place.