Manufactured mirrors have a history spanning approximately 8,000 years. The earliest known examples, discovered in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), date back to that time and were crafted from obsidian.
A Long and Reflecting History
Mirrors, in their simplest form, have existed since prehistoric times. Natural reflective surfaces, like calm bodies of water, served as early mirrors. However, the creation of manufactured mirrors marks a significant step in human history.
Early Mirror Making:
- Obsidian Mirrors (circa 8000 years ago): These early mirrors, found in Anatolia, showcased remarkable optical quality despite their convex shape. Source: Findings: The earliest known manufactured mirrors (approximately 8000 years old) have been found in Anatolia (south central modern-day Turkey). These were made from obsidian (volcanic glass), had a convex surface and remarkably good optical quality.
- Bronze Age Mirrors: The use of bronze and other metals for mirror-making followed. These mirrors likely had a much shorter lifespan due to tarnishing and oxidation.
- Mercury Mirrors: Later, the development of techniques using mercury amalgam created a reflective surface applied to the back of glass. This method, popular for centuries, was eventually replaced due to the toxicity of mercury. Source: Mirror makers switched to silver nitrate in the 1840's-50, mainly due to the toxicity of mercury vapors when they would boil it
Modern Mirror Production:
Today's mirrors are primarily manufactured using a silvering process, resulting in a durable and high-quality reflection. The process involves depositing a thin layer of silver onto the back of the glass, followed by a protective coating.
Determining the Age of a Mirror
Several methods can help determine the age of an antique mirror:
- Material Analysis: Examining the backing material (e.g., mercury, silver) can provide clues.
- Construction Techniques: The method of attaching the reflective layer to the glass can also indicate its age.
- Style and Design: The style of the frame and the overall design can help date the mirror.
While a simple visual inspection can sometimes be helpful, professional appraisal is often necessary for accurate dating. Source: One way to show if a mirror is older is to touch it with a coin (mainly because most people would have coin in their pocket) and look at how…
