Ornate “Bulls-eye” Convex Mirror — Late 19th/early 20th C.

Price: $3,395.00 — See below for details on paying $500 now and the remainder by wire transfer within three business days.

Free delivery within a four hour driving radius of Boston.

If you are considering buying this and have questions that aren’t answered below, please let me know.

Discovered in a small town in New Hampshire, a magnificent large Federal-style convex or "bulls-eye" mirror, from the collection of an executive at a major international corporation who traveled the world.

It’s from the turn of the century and is large: 24" wide and 42” high.

The mirror itself is in excellent condition. To eliminate the distraction of the reflected image of the camera and lights, we've inserted an opaque image in all but the last photo.

Of all of the bulls-eye mirrors I've seen, this is one of the most spectacular, with an imposing eagle looking down from a perch on a rocky cliff.

Anyone who walks into the room will be immediately drawn to.

I have had a bulls-eye mirror in one of my bedrooms for years. If I had room for this one, I would definitely keep it.

Note that if you live within a four hour driving radius of Boston I’ll deliver to you at no charge.

— Lee Wright | Founder

Historical perspective from an English maker of modern convex mirrors

"The convex mirror originated in Europe with the development of glass blowing in the Medieval-Renaissance period. The glass blower created a small glass bulb, the inside of which would be coated with molten lead or tin, making it reflective. Once cooled, the bulb was cut into smaller pieces for use as hand and pocket mirrors.

"By the 18th century, convex mirrors would become highly decorative, adorning the homes of rich Europeans. The French are attributed with the creation of the Empire convex mirror. However, Regency England’s wealthy society, hugely into fashion and decoration, adapted this form – propelling it to a whole new decadently, decorative level. Stylised plant representations, delicate ornamentation, candle arms and pendant chains were popular embellishments. And, gilding was de rigueur.

"The gilded circular convex mirror became so popular in England that under the heading ‘Mirrors’, in Sheraton’s ‘Cabinet Dictionary’ (1803), they are the only style of mirror listed.

"Playing an important role in the running of the Regency household, convex mirrors were often placed above the dining room sideboard, allowing the butler to discretely keep an eye on dinner guests while keeping his back turned.

"They were also highly functional in a dimly lit interior owing to their light-magnifying qualities.

"Without doubt, we have the Georgians to thank for turning the convex mirror, with its humble origins, into the must-have interiors accessory it is today."

More on the history of this style in America from House Appeal: 

"During the 16th century, especially in Northern Europe, convex mirrors were a common inclusion in many interiors. The popularity of these emblems of mirrored style increased in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. During 17th century France, the first glass and mirror factory in Northern Europe at St. Gobain, France was established by Louis XIV, which aided in the production of convex mirrors . . .

"The convex mirror was favored once again in the Empire Period of France, the Neo-Classical Regency and Georgian Periods in England and the Federal Period in America during the 19th century. It is the American Federal style (1790-1828) that brought the patriotic symbol of the the eagle to the glory of the convex mirror. Due to the dominant sense of nationalism with the formation of the new American democratic Republic, many government leaders, including Thomas Jefferson, found inspiration (yet again) in the classical past of Greece and Italy. Indeed, history repeats itself. Heavy in appearance, the Federal convex mirrors are mounted with three-dimensional carvings of eagles over mirrored spheres. Thought to be a combination of European styles, the Federal Style convex is a timeless and emblematic motif with a subtle masculine edge. Mirrored style with meaning."

Sources: Omelo Mirrors and House Appeal

Payment process: $500 paid now and $3,120 (including shipping) wired within three business days. 

We will supply the buyer with wire instructions. If the sending institution charges a fee for sending the wire, that amount should be added to the total to be sent so that it nets to $3,120 (including shipping, explained below). If payment isn’t completed, we’ll return the $500 and contact the next person who wanted to buy it.

We're using this process in order to reduce unnecessary platform fees and to give the buyer the ability to wire payment instead of having to charge their credit card.

If you are considering buying this and have questions: Please feel free to contact me.

Size: 24" x 42"

Shipping: Free delivery within a four hour driving radius of Boston

If you are outside of that radius, this will be shipped in a wooden crate via motor freight. The charge will be $100 plus the motor freight charge.

Please allow two weeks for shipping.