1810s Boston Federal Giltwood Mirror With Cady & Maunder Label and Eglomise Glass

Details

Description

A rare and highly collectible museum-grade early 19th-century American Federal giltwood tabernacle mirror, circa 1810–1815. This historic piece features its … Read more A rare and highly collectible museum-grade early 19th-century American Federal giltwood tabernacle mirror, circa 1810–1815. This historic piece features its incredibly desirable original paper trade label affixed to the wooden backboard, reading: "Cady & Maunder, Carvers, Gilders, and Picture Framers, No. 2 State Street, South Side of the Old State House, Boston."

The architectural frame showcases exemplary Neoclassical Federal proportions. It features a bold stepped cornice molding accented by a delicate bead-and-reel under-trim, all supported by flanking fluted pilaster columns resting on raised plinth blocks.

The upper section retains its original verre églomisé (reverse-painted) glass tablet. The gilded graphic art depicts a classical musical trophy motif featuring crossed horns, a central drum, and delicate foliate garlands rendered over a clean cream-colored backdrop.

The lower aperture houses the authentic period mercury glass mirror plate. The glass displays magnificent, heavy silvering degradation, natural clouding, and rich foxing that offers a beautifully muted, smoky reflection prized by antique purists.

Dimensions:
Overall - 29" x 16" x 2.25"
Top - 5" x 11.5"
Mirror - 19.5" x 11.5" See less