M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES

AMERICAN QUEEN ANNE MAHOGANY COURTING MIRROR

New England, c1730-60

       

The fretwork-carved and pierced crest with applied giltwood shell and foliate form over a rectangular ogee framed

gilt-rimmed early plate, the fretwork-carved base with applied pierced giltwood shell; secondary woods

walnut and pine; hand hewn backboard, early nails

 

Provenance: Purchased in 1972 from long time antique dealer Lena Ramsey, West Islip, N.Y.

 

Note: Found widely in early New England homes, courting mirrors are of Chinese export origin.

They were a traditional eighteenth-century courting gift. When a young gentleman came to ask a young

lady to marry him, he would bring a mirror rather than a ring. If she accepted him, she would hang it on the wall,

 if she refused him, she would place it face down. They continued in home use by the doorway for last minute grooming.

 

Condition: repair to veneer on crest; chip to one tip of crest fretwork carving;

glass not yet examined, but very thin and with appropriate foxing

 

23"H x 10.25"W

 

SOLD

 

We welcome and encourage all inquiries.  We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.

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