Antique Mirror with Pot Metal Frame
Product Description
Pot metal is a very soft metal, easily mis-identified as tin. It was created as a cheap alternative to the more expensive 'pure' metals and was literally, an early form of recycling. Common metals used in making pot metal included zinc, lead, copper, tin, magnesium, aluminum, iron, and cadmium.
This little mirror is a beautiful, and rough, example of just one of hundreds of uses pot metal was put to. Because of the softness of most pot metals (lead content = softness) these pieces are easily damaged. The soft, hollow frame on this mirror has sustained more than a few bumps over it's lifetime - this piece is charming, in it's own way.... The metal has the appearance of age darkened copper, but not the hardness or weight of copper.
Size: The outside measurements of the mirror frame are approximately 12" x 9-1/4". The exposed mirror measures about 7-1/4" x 5-1/2".
Condition: The mirror frame is without cracks or major damage. However, there are many bumps, bends, and straightenings that have happened over it's lifetime. A full set of photos will tell the whole story for you. Photographs are available for the asking.
This little mirror is a beautiful, and rough, example of just one of hundreds of uses pot metal was put to. Because of the softness of most pot metals (lead content = softness) these pieces are easily damaged. The soft, hollow frame on this mirror has sustained more than a few bumps over it's lifetime - this piece is charming, in it's own way.... The metal has the appearance of age darkened copper, but not the hardness or weight of copper.
Size: The outside measurements of the mirror frame are approximately 12" x 9-1/4". The exposed mirror measures about 7-1/4" x 5-1/2".
Condition: The mirror frame is without cracks or major damage. However, there are many bumps, bends, and straightenings that have happened over it's lifetime. A full set of photos will tell the whole story for you. Photographs are available for the asking.
