Mirror, Small size, Reeded & Canted Frame, Beveled Plate & Backboard Date/Period: 19th Century
Measurement: 1" x 5" x 6.5"
Material: Pine frame and backboard, silvered glass, pierced copper hanger
Condition: Very good
Additional Information: Great surface color and patina.
$295.00
1002-432
Mirror, Paint Decorated, Outstanding Fall Colors, Maple, Birch & Sumac Leaves Date/Period: Mid-19th Century Mirror, Victorian Decoration
Measurement: 19.25" x 29"
Condition: Fine original condition
Additional Information: A magnificent display of various hand painted fall leafage…
$2,350.00
632-146
Looking Glass, Boston Japanned Mirror, Exceedingly Rare Date/Period: Circa 1730
Measurement: 26.5" x 14.75"
Material: Northeastern white pine
Condition: Given the inherently fragile nature of all the elements of a japanned looking
glass (frame, paint, and glass), this example has survived in remarkable condition. The
japanned decoration has sustained only the most minor losses and retains an original
coat of varnish. The crest has never been removed nor reinforced. Even more
surprising, the mercury glass plate is intact and in place. Covering this element, the
original backboard has not been disturbed and is affixed with 18th-century tapered iron
shims. No re-nailing has taken place. Finally, the original slotted wooden hanger
remains attached to the upper horizontal section of the frame. As the frame is not
veneered as moat 18th-century examples, the thin cresting has remained vertical rather
than curling backwards. At some point the vertical braces applied to the back of the
crest for support were lost. Also, a few nails were added to the corners of the frame to
stabilize the joints that were previously only secured with wooden shims.
Additional Information:This japanned mirror-frame represents a rare survival of an
early example of the form. Designed as two tiers of ogee curves, the cresting reflects a
mode of design consistent with the early Baroque period: 1710-1730. The horse and
rider motif are rarely encountered in any surviving japanned work. Perhaps a mounted
warrior, this representation's Asian overtones align it with the early period of Boston
japanning. Constructed of wide grained white pine free of knots and insect damage, the
frame is clearly of New England manufacture.
In addition to case furniture, Boston woodworking-craftsmen and japanners
collaborated on smaller items. A range of crested mirrors frames were produced as a
local alternative to the numerous English examples sold in New England. The domestic
mirrors appear to have been made in relatively limited quantities as they likely could not
compete with the low cost and availability of English imports. It was not until after 1750
that the increased availability of labor and the local manufacture of mirror glass
supported by the overall expansion of the New England economy facilitated the large-
scale production of looking glasses. The majority of New England mirror frames date
from this period. Configured with applied ears and fretwork cresting, the later examples
reflect the mid-18th century Baroque aesthetic.
New England japanned looking-glass frames were constructed of clear-grained white-
pine, rather than the typically knotty spruce and deal seen in their English equivalents.
The molded frames and applied crest patterns that New England craftsmen employed
were often stylistically simpler when compared to the format of English mirrors.
Typically, the completed frames were coated with a thick black pigment. This base layer
was then adorned with gilt--work motifs built up on a gesso ground and accented with
red and green. Although the process was different, the overall visual affect created by
this technique was conceived to replicate oriental lacquer. In keeping with the Asiatic
aesthetic, motifs derived from English interpretations of oriental iconography were often
employed, including scholar's rocks, warriors, and dragons. Later examples returned to
western themes, shells foliage, and other naturalistic forms.
$7,200.00
1359-15
Mirror, American Federal Period, Swan Neck Pediment, Urn & Flower Finial Date/Period: Circa 1800
Material: Mahogany, mixed wood inlays, parcel gilt
Additional Information: A finely molded double scrolled pediment featuring rosette
terminals and a floral spray within urn above the frieze displaying an oval inlay…above
a looking glass enclosed by line inlay, and flanked by carved wood, gesso, and gilt
flowers and foliage over the fret carved base.
$7,395.00
859-26
Mirror, Rocaille Carved and Pierced Giltwood with Girandole, Etched Glass
Outstanding engraved plate featuring gentleman warmed by fire
Continental
18th Century
The magnificent, fine and ornate carved and gilt frame with heavily carved scrolling,
floral motifs and piercing centers a no less than incredible engraved mirror-plate that is
surmounted by an engaged carved canopy set with engraved mirror-plate; the base with
similar carving and inset plate receives a pair of scrolled arms with acanthus ornament,
knops and turned candle sockets.
(H: 40"; W: 23"; D: 8")
$8,250.00
424-127
Mirror, Queen Anne Looking Glass Featuring Pierced Crest
Probably Dutch for American Market Date/Period: 1740-1760
Measurement: 31.25" x 13"
Material: Walnut veneers on pie
Condition: Excellent, original surface, likely original glass;
top crest curves backward
$895.00
621-163
Federal Giltwood Overmantel Mirror
America, Possibly New York State
Circa 1815
69.5” long, 28.5” high.
This extremely fine, American, gilded over-mantle mirror is elaborately decorated
throughout. The blocked, entablature is decorated with acorn-shaped drops above a
superb, crosshatched frieze, supported by four turned columns featuring Corinthian
capitals. The high quality of this mirror is noteworthy. The condition is excellent, with
minor expected repairs to the gilding and decoration. The gilding is in excellent condition.
$5,650.00
270-171
Nineteenth Century Mirror, In the Circle of John Haley Bellamy Date/Period: Circa 1870 - 1900
Measurement: 25" x 17.25"
Material: Walnut
Condition: Very good, mirror plate replaced, the masonic “G” replaced
Additional Information: The mirror plate centered with bountiful display of fruits,
flowers, vegetables, and masonic symbols in the style of Bellamy.
$675.00
1322-13
Chippendale Mirrors, Closely Related Pair, Attributed to Wayne & Biddle
Philadelphia Date/Period: 1795-1805
Measurement: 46.75" x 22.75"
Material: Mahogany, mahogany veneer, white pine, and poplar
Condition: Very good, any imperfections are trivial, commensurate with age and use.
$2,650.00 the pair…
259-71
American Looking Glass on Stand, Cheval Glass Date/Period: Circa 1805-1815
Measurement: H: 33”; W: 16.5”; D: 15”
Material: Mahogany, mahogany veneer
Condition: Fine original condition including surface
Reference:American Furniture-The Federal Period by Charles Montgomery, page 285, plate 248 for a nearly identical example within the Winterthur collection.
Additional Information: A tall rectangular dressing glass suspended by tapering fluted
and blocked columns surmounted with belted finials…the columns joining block and
turned stretcher; raised on scrolled base.
$5,750.00
605-140
Federal Mirror, Mourning of George Washington, Eglomise Tablet Date/Period: Circa 1810-1825
Measurement: 41.25" x 23.25"
Material: Gilded wood, gesso, and eglomise
Condition: Excellent, gilt surface looks to have been refreshed many years ago.
Additional Information: George Washington’s death compelled a long farewell, a
mourning period that lasted several years…embroidered pictures, needlework’s,
mourning jewelry, samplers with mourning scenes and domestic decorative arts such as
this mirror. The reverse painted tablet prominently displays a portrait of Washington
within gilt oval flanked by cenotaph urns on monuments [plinths], weeping trees, and
sunset sky. These artistic devices speak to the iconographic vocabulary of mourn art
during the period. Stepped-out architectural cornice above turned and split columns;
stiles and rails joined by corner blocks. This looking glass has been in a Worcester,
Massachusetts family for many generations, thence by family decent to current owner.
$3,400.00
1213-3
Federal Mirror, Commodore O.H. Perry, Carved Dolphins, Eglomise Tablet, Rare Form Date/Period: Circa 1812-1820
Measurement: 41" x 15.5"
Material: Mahogany, parcel gilt, reverse painting on glass
Condition: Good, water damage to eglomise as depicted, tiny loss to gilded flag canton
at 9-o’clock. Two small sections of backboard are missing from top section.
Additional Information: A most unusual, early Sheraton example. The lower frame is
surmounted by a reeded and dental molded top section flanked by a pair of carved and
gilt dolphins. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s portrait is within a most magnificent
wreath; at the bottom is a panoply of arms interwoven with ribbon banner reading, “WE
HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND THEY ARE OURS”. Perry is flanked by two pair of
American flags above which is a spreading eagle clutching a ribbon. The vignette is
festooned by a wreath.
$3,800.00
232-388
Mirror, Classical Gilt Stenciled Frame,
Grape Leaf, Grapes & Tendrils
Likely New York or Philadelphia, circa 1830
A fine example, extreme attention to detail, great surface…
Grain painted and parcel gilt, ovolo, bead, and step molded frame centering two-part
plates; excellent original condition including glass and backboard. A remarkable
survivor. (43 5/8" x 22.5" x 2.5")
$4,125.00
270-173
Large Three Section Overmantle Gilt Mirror, Neoclassical, Late Sheraton/Empire
American, Second Quarter 19th Century
Turned and split-columns on frame joined by blocked corners with rosettes under molded overhanging top. (63 by 25 by 5”)
$950
572-73
Chippendale Mirror
Dimensions: 24.875 by 13.75-inches.
$425
593-2
Carved & Gilt Mirror, Basket of Flowers Festooned with Floral Garland & Cascading Leafy Branches & Cones
French, Louis 16...circa 1800
Pine, gesso and gilt
Pierced crest over rectangular gilt frame centering plate; geometric and pinecone drop finials.
(Excellent original condition: 17.25" x 26.75")
$795.00
1012-136
18th Century Mirror – Wall, Queen Anne,
Marquetry Inlay, Beveled Plate
England, circa 1710-1730
Outstanding walnut with contrasting wood inlays featuring inlaid floral and foliate
patterns. Very good condition; frame: 24" x 30.5"; glass: 18.5" x 25"
$1,585.00
660-47
Frame, Ripple Molded, Mirror
17th Century
Dutch
A fine and richly tooled reverse ogee profile, ebonized ripple molding frame with late plate. Dimensions: 13" by 16".
$1,400
843-59
Mirror, Embroidered Frame in the 17th Century Style,
Worked in Wool Thread
Appears to be late 19th century
(Excellent original condition; height: 65.75"; bottom case: width: 39.25"; depth: 20.5"; top case: width: 37.75"; depth: 19.75")
CORNER OF MARKET AND FIRST STREET
PHILADELPHIA
GILT AND MAHOGANT FRAME LOOKING GLASSES
A 18th century Philadelphia looking glass bearing original label, arching scrollwork crest
featuring pinecone ears, and similarly scrolled bottom centering molded slip. (The
center lobe of crest has a horizontal fissure and has been repaired; we note that a 2”
section of bottom lobe is replaced; a very attractive looking glass; 35.5 x 17.75")
$1,700.00
1152-37
Mirror, Queen Anne Looking Glass, Pierced Scroll Crest, Parcel Gilt, Molded Slip
America or England, Circa 1725-1750
Walnut veneer, pine
Walnut and gilt gesso with a scrolled crest and pierced and gilded Prince of Wales feathers above a rectangular scroll molded slip with central mirror plate flanked by scrolled ears above a shaped apron featuring recessed carving.
(One scrolled ear replaced, otherwise very attractive, imperfections are minor and commensurate with age. 38 by 19”)
$2,550.00
843-278
Looking Glass Mahogany, gilded wood, string-inlay and gesso on wire
Uniquely American, New York
Circa 1790-1800
With a decidedly American personality, excelling in vertical proportion, festooned with flowers and foliage and no English cognate; this example remains in a seldom-encountered high state of originality. Centering the graceful high tightly scrolled molded and carved crest ornamented with Tudor roses is the beautifully executed carved and gilded urn with wheat and floral stocks artistically arranged; beneath which is mounted a molded oval medallion boss. A bead molding is applied to the frames outside edges with the carved and gilt sight edge molding glued to the inside edges. A simple string inlay centers the inner and outer moldings. The crest with a single line inlay is butted and glued to the top of frame edge; secured by blocking and straps with the outstanding elaborate transitional Rococo scrolled base and corner scrolls likewise butted and secured against the frame. The surface of this mahogany veneer on white pine mirror appears to be original and has a rich patina. Probably New York City or Albany. (Height: 64"; width: 24 3/8".)
$3,300
621-78
Cushion Molded Mirror, Looking Glass
Circa 1680, England
Walnut, walnut veneer and deal
This nearly square example features old, probably original mirror plate within broad ovolo molding centered by sections of half-round molded surrounds.
(Dimensions: 17 by 16 3/8")
$2,850
843-108
Veneered Looking-Glass
Probably London
Circa 1710
Pine with walnut veneer. Measures 24.5-inches in height and 12.5-inches in width.
$750
621-30
Mirror, Queen Anne Light Reflecting Engraved Looking Glass Date/Period: Circa 1710 - SOLD
Measurement: 20.5" x 16" x 1.75"
Material: Walnut veneer on deal, engraved and beveled plate, mercury foiling
Condition: Mirror has character, displays well, condition is commensurate with age and
Use. Two small veneer loses; lowest vertical beading missing [doesn’t
Distract…easily restored by our expert or yours]. Losses to mercury foil.
Additional Information: An extremely rare and early form corresponding to the upper
frames of full-size mirrors of the William and Mary period. Herbert Schiffer suggests in
his book, The Mirror Book - English, American, and European [page 80, plate 79] that “it
may have been made for use over a small mantle or high chest of drawers to reflect
light.” The original cutglass with beveled edge is of fine quality…the convex frame
features a conforming bead molding, outstanding original surface.
See Wallace Nutting, Furniture Treasury, plates 2848 and 2888 for similar examples.
SOLD
621-131
Mirror, Queen Anne looking Glass, Scrolled Crest, Original Surface, and Glass
Probably New England Date/Period: 1740-1780 - SOLD
Measurement: 16.75" x 10.25"
Material: Walnut
Condition: Good, commensurate with age and use. Small thin flake of wood missing at
lower right side of crest.
Additional Information: Nice small size, shapely crest…chamfered backboard; great
color and patina.
SOLD
745-251
Eighteenth Century Looking Glass, Queen Anne Mirror, Probably American Date/Period: 1740-1760 - SOLD
Measurement: 32" x 13.25"
Material: Walnut veneer on white pine
Condition: Good, untouched condition, trivial scattered scattered veneer losses that do
not distract whereas the frame displays a very dark patina…as they say, “in-the-black”.
Typical of these high crests without a vertical brace this example bows backwards,
however it hangs and displays well.
Additional Information: A early Queen Anne looking glass retaining original plate and
surface. Frame members are of lapped construction. The tall pierced and scrolled crest
above a rectangular molded frame having an engaged parcel gilt inner edge. As
depicted, a scrolled pendent apron. The backboard features beveled edges. A
survivor…
SOLD
270-187
Early Queen Anne Dressing Mirror, Dressing Box, Stepped Case, Red
Northern European
Date/Period: 18th Century - SOLD
Measurement: Height: 34”, width: 15”, depth: 8”
Material: Mixed woods, lacquer, parcel gilt, and polychrome
Condition: Very good, any trivial imperfections consistent with age and use
Additional Information: Beautifully shaped mirror on turned posts above a
triple-stepped and shaped case containing eight graduated drawers, the bottom
drawers centering a prospect door…the whole raised on bun feet. Original
chinoiserie decoration on red lacquered ground.
Our consignor purchased this cover lot at public sale in 1997,
family information available.
SOLD
745-283
Federal Giltwood Split Column Mirror, Reverse Painted Tablet, James Todd
Portland, Maine, Circa 1820-1825
Best gilding and eglomise panel attributed to Charles Codman
Remarkable original condition… - SOLD
The frame with applied split balusters joining raised corner blocks featuring a gilt
pattern; reverse-painted tablet showing a classical woman and child reclined on
recamier centered by drapery. The tablet displays Codman’s style and favored colors.
(15.75 b 32.25”)
The verso retaining the label of James Todd’s LOOKING-GLASS MANUFACTORY who
worked at various addressed in Portland, Maine from 1820 to circa 1866 who was born
at Hingham, Massachusetts and was brother of William, a cabinet maker with shops in
Boston and Hingham. At the age of 16 James apprenticed to Paul Mondelly, a French-born
looking glass maker with a shop in Boston.
One of the early landscape painters, Charles Codman was born in Portland, Maine and
lived there for most of his life. He was a self-taught, successful painter of landscapes
and marine scenes, primitive portraits, painting and enameling on glass for timepieces,
looking glasses, ladies’ needlework and signs. It is believed Codman apprenticed with
clockmakers, Simon and Aaron Willard of Roxbury and after that sign-painter, John
Ritto Penniman of Roxbury and Boston.
SOLD
274-225
William and Mary Mirror, Original Double Plate Beveled Glass and Backboard
First half 18th Century
Shaped crest and wonderful molding enclosing two part mirror - SOLD
(16.25 by 35”)
SOLD
1008-97
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