Relevant categories: Mirrors
( Above Photo: Antique French Cushion Mirror Metal Mounts Circa 1880 )
Are you looking for an exquisite antique mirror to add to your home? If so, you should pick one of the pin-cushion mirrors, whose unique design makes them beautiful and perfect for any home. They aren’t your ordinary mirrors whose only claim to fame is the reflective surface. Instead, they are mostly handcrafted, creating something to behold.
Pin cushion mirrors are great for decorating your rooms, creating a sense of space. They can also light up a dark room by reflecting light from outside. The problem can be identifying a mirror made more than 100 years ago.
All types of antique mirrors are likely to have bubbles and other imperfections. At the time of their manufacture, mirror makers were yet to master how to remove bubbles from the glass. Therefore, mirrors with bubbles are likely to be genuine antique pin cushion mirrors. On the other hand, perfect mirrors without bubbles are most likely made using modern manufacturing techniques and are not antique.
Furthermore, antique mirrors have other imperfections, including inconsistent glass thickness and waviness. The mirror is likely to be old and antique if you see that. However, some modern recreations of pin cushion mirrors could imitate these imperfections to appeal to a growing market for antique products.
On the back of antique mirrors, there is a thin reflective metal sheet. Usually, mirror makers would use silver or gold to make the mirrors. These metals are prone to oxidation, so if you notice signs of that, the mirror is likely to be an antique. Check the bottom of the mirror for any signs of oxidation.
Oxidation on the shiny metal sheet could be due to the accumulation of moisture on the surface, scratches, or abrasion. On the shiny side of a mirror, oxidation appears in the form of dark flaws, which have no uniformity. In some cases, reproductions of antique pin cushion mirrors may have oxidation applied to mimic the authentic appearance.
( Above Photo: French Cushion Mirror Antique Pier 1840 )
Once you purchase an antique pin cushion mirror, you might discover several imperfections, including dust, fingerprints, and grease smudges. You can restore the mirror to a perfect shape by removing the dirt. You can gently dust the mirror to prevent unnecessary abrasion that could damage the frame and cause chipping.
When cleaning the glass, be careful not to damage the metal coating. You can start with some light cleaning and dusting. If that doesn’t achieve the desired results, approach a mirror expert to restore the glass. It may also be necessary to refinish the wooden frame. If the blotches on the back are too much, remove the silver and replace it. Always ask a professional to carry out such delicate procedures.
Pin cushion mirrors can be a great addition to your home. Apart from the obvious functionality, they light up your room and add a sense of space to it. If you’re looking for a pin cushion mirror to buy, we have some of the best in our stock.
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