United Kingdom - Convex Mirrors

A magnificent and very large early 19th century convex mirror, the large convex mirror flanked by broad candle arms and the whole surmounted by a finely carved and gilt eagle.   

This concave, circular shaving mirror is set in a moulded ebonized wood frame. The reverse has a printed trade label stating ‘J Abraham Optician & Mathematical Instrument Maker to hi...

A truly fabulous, important, rare and grand proportioned Regency giltwood convex mirror. The substantial frame carved with overlapping laurel leaves and berries, supporting to boldly carved acanthus candelabra with original cut-glass drip pans and gilt bronze nozzles. The gilding has aged to a deep rich colour. This fabulous and incredibly grand masterpiece retains its original convex mirror plate. One of the finest period convex mirrors ever made. The creation of convex mirrors became possible with the development of glass blowing. When the glassblower created a small glass bulb, they were filled with a metallic mixture of lead and tin while still hot. Once cooled, the bulbs were cut into smaller pieces and could be used as hand an pocket mirrors. They were used as fashionable pieces of jewelry and were often encased with gold, silver, ivory and tortoiseshell. The Empire circular convex mirror was introduced from France, where they had been made as early as 1756. This style of mirror became so popular under the heading ‘Mirrors’, in Sheraton’s 'Cabinet Dictionary' (1803), that they are the only style mentioned. Convex mirrors were said to “strengthen the colour and take off the coarseness of objects by contracting them”. Convex mirrors produced on a larger scale were both practical and intriguing. While they distort the image that they reflect, they also magnify light...

A massive George IV ebonized and parcel-gilt convex mirror, circa 1820. With original plate in a deep moulded frame with bead-and-reel decoration. Provenance: Norris Castle, C...

A very large and late 19th century sorceress mirror housed in a deeply carved frame with its original ebonised finish. A continuous decorative border of reverse ground convex optics,...

A pair of handmade Regency era wooden convex, bullseye mirrors Introducing a stunning pair of Regency-era convex ship mirrors, expertly hand-carved and ...

A carved mahogany sunburst design mirror in gold gilt finish, with distressed convex centre, within a raised border decorated with husks. Contemporary.