Featured Help with a mirror

We don't really know much about this mirror other than it's been in the family for ages. Was my great aunt's who lived to be 101 and passed away in the 1980's.

It stands a bit over 8 feet tall (maybe closer 9) and is about 2 feet wide.





No markings on the back that any of us remember but obviously moving it away from the wall to check is a challenge.

Any information welcome.

 

@Ghopper1924 ?

 

Has an Eastlake vibe to me. 1880's or so.

 

Pier mirror. Probably walnut.

 

Agree with walnut.

 

Yes it is walnut.

 

Hi,
I date it from 1885-1910. I love pier mirrors. Just drama without much work. Everyone around here has nothing on their walls one picture perhaps. Husbands screaming about repairing wall from nails and such. They are freaked out when they come here. Every wall is covered. I am such a Edwardian person. In fact I have hundreds of pictures and stuff to go up on the wall but I need more walls.
greg

 

Yes, a beautiful early Eastlake walnut pier mirror with ebonized highlights ca. 1885. The original purpose of pier mirrors - for those that could afford them - was to place them between windows, thus reflecting and broadcasting more light into the room without using gas or electricity.


"I love pier mirrors. Just drama without much work." Indeed. I think I remember Greg's story about hauling a pier mirror on the train? Quite a tale!


The O.P.'s pier mirror is beautiful, and I would hope that as a family piece it would stay in the family. It may help to know that with the 8-foot ceilings in common use since the mid-20th century, most pier mirrors just won't fit, thus limiting their resale market. Also, like all other antique furniture the market is down for them; at best you might get $300-$400 at auction for this one. Not worth selling it IMO, when it creates so much beauty in your home.

 

Exactly why I don't care for the 'open concept' floor plans these days, and also who wants to constantly see a messy kitchen (unless you never actually use your kitchen)?

 

When wholesaling antiques years ago, I once had to drive over 1000 miles with a large, incredibly ornate gilt pier table and mirror, calling in on lots of dealers en route before I found a buyer ...because of the combined height it needed a VERY high ceiling so despite its quality and beauty it was a tough sell.

 

Lovely family heirloom. And what a perfect spot for it.

Debora

 

Beautiful pier mirror!!!! And looks to be in wonderful condition!