Featured Help with Pier Mirror....

Good morning, I'm Shannon, new here and mostly new to vintage/antiques. This is my first post, so if I do it wrong please just point me in the right direction. Could someone help me with any information on this type of mirror? I picked it up at an estate sale in NC, the sweet couple were both 85 years old. Thank you!

 

Welcome to the Forum!
Maybe at one time it had something below?
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/gold-gesso-pier-mirror-marble-shelf-1814029179

Maybe just not visible in your photo?

 

Good job Shannon!

There is something below the marble shelf. I can't tell what is; could you provide photos of the lower part?

I agree with the person who provided the information in the link from INH. I'd estimate this pier mirror to be dated ca. 1890-1900. Pier mirrors originally served to reflect light and were placed between windows in parlors and sometimes in hallways. They died out as electric light became more common after the turn of the 20th Century.

At auction your mirror might bring $500 more or less, depending on the venue and if there are any pieces missing.

 

Welcome! Food for thought, just because someone is in their 80s doesn't mean they, or their relatives, don't shop at HomeGoods. I'm not saying your mirror is new, just remember, not everything an 85-year-old has is as old as they are

 

I once had a tall pier mirror and tried wholesaling it locally, but no antique store would touch it due to none of their customers having big enough residences or high enough ceilings.
Drove around with it for a while and finally got rid of it 1000 miles from where I started!
Agree with @Ghopper1924 dates btw. Looks like if it was ever actually gilded, those days are long gone, it appears to painted with "gold powder" but maybe that's just the pic?

 

It only just squeaks in on Shannon’s photo. Not a mm to spare!

 

Maybe a mantle mirror for above a fireplace?

 

Still can't see really much of what's below.........BUT looks like a cool mirror!!!

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Yes, pier mirrors can be a burden for those of us with 8-foot ceilings. Fortunately, we have a 120-inch tall landing on our staircase that accommodates a 9-foot example. Where there's a will.....

There are actually many pier mirrors that will fit in under an 8-foot (96") ceiling, you just have to shop a bit more thoroughly. That effort will be rewarded by the extraordinary beauty they add to your space.

BTW, in case you didn't know, pier mirrors were developed to sit between windows in parlors or entry halls to reflect light. They died out in the early 20th century as electric light became more and more common.

 

I had no idea... took me a minute to figure out what to call it! Thank you that helps!

 

I wondered about this because the markings are so similar.

 

View attachment 306781 View attachment 306781 View attachment 306781

 

Thank you! That's such great info, I appreciate much.

 

Hi,
Gorgeous pier mirror. Remind me to tell about transporting one from Philadelphia to Brooklyn on the trains.
greg

 

Thanks Shannon.

I don't see the plinth and two small supporting columns for the marble shelf that appear in the link that INH provided, but on the other hand I don't see any evidence that they were removed. Perhaps the manufacturer had more than one model, or made different features for different years in the 1890s. It does look like you've got the original gesso surround and gold paint. It's in great condition!

You might want to contact the vendor in INH's link to see if they know the manufacturer of their mirror; I imagine it's the same as yours.

 

Thank you all, I apologize, I was traveling all day yesterday and couldn't respond. I was using the photos I had from the estate. I was able to take additional pictures this morning...

 

That's a great idea... I hadn't thought of that. The carvings are so similar. I was thinking maybe just the 'wall mount vs. floor' if that was even a thing. It really is beautiful and was loved and cared for.