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How to Find Information on Antique Mirrors

Some of the first mirrors ever produced were made in Italy, and used a mercury backing to produce the glass, which was dark and cloudy. Glass-work companies soon sprouted in England in the 1670s and began using plate glass to improve the clarity. Most antique mirrors were set in wooden frames of pine, walnut or ebony and ranged from simple to elaborate. There are several sources of information such as this about antique mirrors and several ways to go about finding it.

Things You'll Need

Library or bookstore access
Computer
Local school, museum or recreation center

Instructions

- 1
  Start at your local library or bookstore. Reference books on antique mirrors can provide detailed information and photographs. Examples of reference books include “The Mirror Book: English, American and European” by Herbert F. Schiffer and “The Mirror: A History” by Sabine Melchior-Bonnet.
- 2
  Visit local antique stores and collector shows that feature antique mirrors to view various examples of antique mirrors. Speak with the dealers to find out information about antique mirrors. Find local listings for antique dealers in your area by searching “antique mirror stores” on websites such as Yahoo Local or Yelp (see Resources). Call ahead and inquire if they have any antique mirrors and if they can recommend other dealers who do.
- 3
  Find websites with information about antique mirrors. Much of this kind of information can be found on the websites of professional organizations or non-profit groups. Examples include CILSS.org and AboutAntiques.org (see Resources).
- 4
  Take a course on identifying antiques from your local community college, university, museum or recreation center. For instance, the Arlington Heights Historical Museum in Chicago, Illinois, offers an “Antiques – What’s It Worth?” class on Wednesday evenings (S=see Resources).
- 5
  Read information about antique mirrors from sellers on online antique stores and auction websites. Be careful to read the fine print on websites to ensure that the product is an authentic antique mirror and not a reproduction, as reproductions abound on the web. Examples of websites include AlhambraAntiques.com, TheMirrorLady.com, Bonanzle.com and eBay.com (see References).

Antiques