Rare Matched Pair of Mid-19th Century Circular Silver-Gilt Wall Mirrors c.1850

A rare and commanding true matched pair of mid-19th-century circular wall mirrors, styled elegantly in the Regency taste. True pairs of circular mirrors of this exceptional age and material integrity are incredibly difficult to source intact.
 
At a highly versatile 52 cm diameter, their clean geometric silhouette combines beautifully with a bold 7 cm structural depth, making them an exquisite statement set for alcoves, sophisticated living spaces, or flanking a stately mantelpiece.
 
 
Design & Craftsmanship
 
Each mirror features an impressive, heavily profiled circular wooden frame adorned with beautifully detailed, molded gesso floral and foliate scroll decoration. Notably, the low-relief ground elements showcase an intricate, incised cross-hatch "diaper work" geometric pattern. This masterfully executed diaper work serves as a tactile canvas, providing a crisp textured contrast that makes the highly raised organic scroll motifs dramatically catch the surrounding light.
 
The frames are finished in an exquisite silver-gilt tone layered over a traditional gesso, bole and timber ground, beautifully complemented by a striking, ebonised multi-reeded inner slip ring that draws the eye directly to the glass.
 
 
Historical Purpose
 
During this era, round frames with an ebonised reeded inner slip were highly popular. While most round frames of this era used convex glass to distribute candlelight, premium workshops produced these flat-plate variants strictly for portrait viewing and commissioned for decorative symmetry.
 
This functional elegance is beautifully reflected in the distinct silver-gilt look. Workshops layered white gold or pure silver leaf over a darker clay base tone (bole), which yields a muted, pale champagne hue far softer than the bold yellow gold used earlier in the century.
 
 
Authenticity & Condition
 
Unlike modern reproductions or common mid-century metal iterations, this pair features authentic, un-restored construction throughout. Turn the mirrors around to find rough-sawn, vertical-milled solid timber backboards held fast by period nails—a beautiful testament to mid-19th-century craftsmanship.
 
Retaining their original flat glass plates with just a few charming, subtle specks of age-related silvering breakdown (foxing), this pair provides a perfectly usable reflection while carrying an irreplaceable historic patina, Glass plates are  secure.
 
Specifications:
 
Date of Manufacture: Mid-19th Century (Circa 1850)
Dimensions: Diameter: 52 cm | Depth: 7 cm
Materials: Solid timber frame, gesso composition work with diaper work patterning, genuine silver-gilt finish (white gold/silver leaf over dark bole ground), original flat glass.
Shipping & Delivery: Professional art courier delivery available nationwide. Fully insured. Please contact us for an international shipping quote.