19th-century gold leaf Louis Philippe mercury mirror

A fabulous nineteenth-century gold leaf Louis Philippe mercury mirror from France. Note the inner pearling details of the frame and layer of red primer showing through the gilt leaf finish. The frame features delicate foliage decoration. A beautiful piece to accent an entryway with a touch of French elegance. 

Note: Mirrors have been photographed facing fabric, a technique that reveals any age spots in the glass. In some cases, this may create the appearance of an empty frame, but each mirror is complete except where explicitly stated.

This mirror contains its original mercury glass which sparkles beautifully in the light. The technique of making mercury glass mirrors was retired in the early 1900s. The mercury is fixed behind the glass in a solidified, non harmful state.