Federal Mirror
5x23.5x38
unknown
Other
Yes
Hi Abigail,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Federal carved giltwood bull's eye mirror
American or English, early 19th Century
Surmounted by a wing-spread eagle over acanthus and rock crest over a circular frame with molded surround and 18 spherules, over an acanthus-carved and scrolled base. Beveled mirror plate.
38 inches high, 23 1/2 inches wide, 5 inches deep
CONDITION: not examined in person; appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: acquired at Snooty Fox Antiques
$700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Both of the Eldred mirrors are considerably more dramatic and more intricately carved than yours so they are not fair comparables to yours but the Leland Little and Susanin comparables are more fair. The Leland Little mirror had an estimate of $50.00-25,000.000 so I would argue they didn't really know what they had (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/115938400_antique-federal-style-carved-and-gilt-convex-mirror).
The Susanin example had an estimate of $400-600, which is less than yours. I would be willing to put yours at $700-1,000 but in the current auction climate, these mirrors are really not bringing what they used to (I review auctions all day long for a living and it is not uncommon for these to simply fail to find a buyer, at any price); it would be irresponsible for me to give you an inflated sense of value.
Is there a reason the uploaded comps (pictures/screenshots) sold for so much higher?