Georgian Chippendale Period Mahogany Fretwork Pier Mirror with Gilt Ho-Ho Bird, c.1760 (George III, Mid 18th Century)

Circa 1760

In good original condition, commensurate with age. The mahogany frame, carved fretwork and gilt slip are all original. The mercury plate shows attractive age-related bloom and oxidation. There is a small chip to the tail of the ho-ho bird crest. When acquired, the back of the mirror was covered with later brown paper; this has been removed to allow proper stabilisation. Several of the original mirror-holding blocks had loosened and have been sympathetically re-glued. The original backboard had split into two sections over time and has been re-secured with gummed paper tape, preserving the original timber. Most original tacks remain; a few period-appropriate replacements have been added where necessary to hold the backboard firmly. Some residue of the old paper backing remains around the perimeter but has been left undisturbed to avoid damaging the frame. Structurally sound and stable, with minor, honest signs of age expected from an 18th-century mirror.