Antique Mirror. Age?

Late 1800's or earlier? 33" tall, 15" wide. I thought it looked like it might have been removed from something.

I thought it was veneer that chipped off but it was the gesso from the water gilding. Someone painted over the gold leaf. Unfortunately, it's milk paint. I doubt I can get it off without damaging the gold and the gesso underneath. I did test spots with mineral spirits, paint stripper, turpentine. I was able to expose the gold in a couple of places but it was damaged.

 

Here are some photographs of the gesso and gold.

 

Early 19th century Federal mirror. Would probably have had a reverse painted scene in the top section.

 

Here is one somewhat similar....

 

Thank you Brad. I thought the nails looked later, that's why I guessed late 1800's.

 

Hi,
I love your mirror. If I was younger I would love regilding it.
greg

 

Thanks Greg. It's too cold here to try your ammonia and steel wool on the milk paint. Maybe if it warms up. I would love to water gild this again but I don't think it's worth the time it would take. I may restore the missing areas and then oil gild it.