How can I tell a genuine antique mirror from a reproduction?

Examine the gilding closely: authentic pieces show natural wear along the edges and an uneven, warm patina. The glass on a period mirror is often mercury-backed, with characteristic oxidation spots and a slightly grey reflection. Turn the mirror over — old lime or poplar wood darkens with age and shows hand-cut assembly marks.

What is the price range for antique mirrors?

Prices vary widely by period, style and condition. Expect £250–£900 for a good Napoléon III mirror, £500–£3,000 for a carved Louis XV gilt trumeau of fine quality, and several thousand pounds for an 18th-century engraved Venetian mirror or a large château trumeau with documented provenance.

What is a mercury glass mirror and how do I date one?

A mercury glass mirror has a backing made from a tin-mercury amalgam, a technique used until around 1900 when silver-nitrate silvering took over. You can identify it by its slightly grey, soft reflection and the brown oxidation spots that develop over time. Any mirror with this backing almost certainly predates the early twentieth century.

How should I clean and care for an antique mirror?

Never use household glass cleaners on a mercury-backed plate — moisture seeps behind the glass and accelerates deterioration of the backing. Wipe gently with a dry or barely damp cloth. For a gilt frame, use only a soft brush or feather duster; avoid all abrasives. Entrust any gilding repairs to a professional gilder.

Can I get an antique mirror valued online?

Yes. Photograph the frame from several angles, the back of the mirror, close-ups of the gilding and any maker's labels or auction stickers, then send the images with the dimensions to a specialist dealer. Professional dealers on Antiquités en France can guide you and provide an informed estimate before any purchase or sale.