I ran into this utterly delightful post in a blog called Rainring. The author of the blog has an eclectic range of interests. He loves antiques and likes to share his experiences with them.
In this post he talks about how he bought an antique Victorian mirror. The photos alone make a visit to the post worthwhile. The detail with the grapes is wonderful. The Victorian mirror measures 1.7 meters wide by 0.8 meters high and is apparently very heavy. The author thinks it was originally an above-mantel piece but isn’t sure.
There are some additional details about how he consulted the universe on whether or not he should buy it. There was some negativity at first, but fortunately the positive sign came through. Click here to get to the post.
October 27th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Glad you enjoyed the post! There’s an update needed which hasn’t been added to the post yet, so you read it right here first!:
As we have recently moved to a smaller flat, we had to sell a number of items for which we no longer had space. I contacted the local auction house and the valuer came to check out the said items. I asked if he could spare a minute to look round… He graciously agreed to do so. I asked about the mirror - he was a very knowledgeable man ( I would have liked to borrow him for a complete inventory!). He took a long and studious look at the mirror.
First, it was NOT an overmantel, but the back of a (presumably colossal) sideboard.
Second, it was ‘in the English style’ - hence the almost-too-good-to-be-true grapes. Probably German, definitely continental.
Wood - walnut.
I also promise to update the images, having stuck on a missing leaf since I took the pictures.
Finally, thanks again for the interest. It’s taken me twelve months and 53 posts to generate one response - are lovers of furniture and textiles generally semi-literate or terminally shy, I wonder? Or perhaps most of my stuff is beneath comment…
Do drop by again if you feel the call!
October 27th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
And I forgot: the period - 1860-1900, so Victorian contemporary at least.
October 27th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Thanks for the update to your post with all the added nuggets of information. And thanks for the comment here. I’ve relinked to your post, since its URL changed.
I can’t say why people are timid about starting a conversation about furniture. My assumption is that they’re quite literate. My interests in things Victorian actually started with my love of Victorian literature.
In any case, thank you for the invitation to return to your blog. I will absolutely do so. I’m likely to pick out another post for comment. You have a great perspective on the furniture and give it a voice that’s refreshing and full of personality. I try to find the best stuff out there for a readership that will appreciate it.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Only just came back - so thanks for your response, which I hadn’t seen before. You might like the latest - link supplied -as it’s Victorian and also happens to be the one where my shenanigans with the coin tossing began!
http://94stranger.wordpress.com/2008/11/08/art-objects-55-victorian-mahogany-chest-of-drawers/
regards
94