Antique Americana Gilt Gold Gesso Mirror

This is an exceptional example of an American commemorative mirror from the mid-to-late 19th century, likely dating to the Civil War or post-Civil War era (circa 1860s-1880s). The mirror features a richly detailed frame crafted from carved wood, coated with a thick layer of gesso, and finished with a luminous gold gilt. Its oval shape and elaborate patriotic motifs reflect the nationalistic fervor of the period, making it a powerful piece of American history and decorative art.

The frame is a tribute to American ideals, prominently featuring a soaring bald eagle at the crest, a symbol of freedom and strength. The design includes deeply molded cartouches featuring the Liberty Bell—an iconic symbol of independence—and a series of five-pointed stars, representing the states of the Union. The lower half of the frame is embellished with fan-like fluting, adding to its neoclassical and patriotic aesthetic.

The frame's surface exhibits the characteristic crazing and minor chipping of a genuine gesso antique. This natural wear adds to its character and confirms its age, telling a story of over a century and a half of history. The gilding, while showing a beautiful, aged patina, retains a warm, radiant glow. The back of the mirror is covered with a paper backing.

In good antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The gesso frame is solid, with a lovely aged patina, including the expected crazing and some minor losses to the gilded finish. The back is intact, and the wire hanger is ready for display.

This mirror is more than a reflective object; it is a tangible piece of Americana, perfect for collectors of historical decor, patriotic memorabilia, or anyone seeking a unique and meaningful statement piece for their home.

Measurements (approximate - rounded to the nearest quarter inch):
21.5 inches in height
18.5 inches in width
1.25 inches in depth

All sales are final so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions prior to purchase.

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE
Vintage and antique items are pre-owned and aged goods. In most cases, we do not clean or polish any items that come into our shop. Once you remove an item's traces of age and patina it's not something you can reverse, so we leave those activities up to the buyer. We try our best to describe items accurately and disclose any and all flaws and imperfections. Please refer to pictures as a visual description. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase so, please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have prior to checkout.

SHIPPING
As much as possible, we utilize recycled shipping boxes. The box you receive your item in may show signs of wear and pre-use.

PHOTOGRAPHY
All photos are taken in natural light and we do not use any photo filters and do not perform and photo editing (other than basic photo cropping). Depending on your monitor settings, there may be subtle differences in color once you see your item in person.