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Really Charming or Just Really Old?


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Really Charming or Just Really Old?

Toss It or Keep It?

How to know if that broken, stained or otherwise messed-up object can be saved or if it’s a goner. Third in a series from HGTV Magazine, November 2017.

Dilemma: You found a funky, cool mirror at the thrift store but it is speckled with dark spots. Is it worth buying or is it really just junk?

An Antique Mirror with Black Spots
KEEP!

An Antique Mirror with Black Spots“The splotches are due to moisture or cleaner residue that oxidized the glass,” says Ann Igelbrink, a vice president at Christie’s auction house. The only solution is resilvering, a pricey process that involves stripping the piece with heavy-duty chemicals and reapplying silver nitrate. Consider the spots part of the charm—and part of the mirror’s worth, if it’s really old. Says Igelbrink, “A mirror plate surviving for centuries is nothing short of a miracle, so don’t alter it!”

Charming Heirloom or Eyesore?

comment_2Do you have an antique mirror or other family keepsake that has been passed down through the generations? Tell us if you want to treasure it, sell it or just donate it in the comments below.

Have you tried to upcycle or restore an item instead of buying new?

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Yes:
 
96%
No:
 
4%
Total Votes:
185
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Dianne Miller
Dianne Miller
6 years ago

I just inherited an antique treadle sewing machine that I will cherish. It has all the parts. Not quite sure as to how I will repurpose it yet. I’ll work on figuring that out after the holidays!

Lynn Francis
Lynn Francis
6 years ago
Reply to  Dianne Miller

I have seen a recent pic on Facebook of an interesting corner table made from an old Singer treadle, as well as beautiful “living edge” wood table top for a treadle base.

Dianne Miller
Dianne Miller
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn Francis

Do you know where to find it again? I’d like see it. Thanks for the feedback.

Lynn Francis
Lynn Francis
6 years ago
Reply to  Dianne Miller

I am not sure where those exact pics are now, but I just checked on Pinterest under “old treadle sewing machine makeover” and tons of fabulous ideas came up!!

Dianne Miller
Dianne Miller
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn Francis

Thank you!

AnDrea Bates
AnDrea Bates
6 years ago

I have a very old cheval mirror with only a few of these small spots on it. It was my Aunts and my favorite piece in her house while growing up! I’m glad to know what these are and how it can stay like it is… with Character in place!

Tracy Tapscott
Tracy Tapscott
6 years ago

I’m lucky to come from a big family. So family keepsakes are shared and passed to other family members instead of thrown out.

Gingi Freeman
Gingi Freeman
6 years ago

I recently had a friend ask if Norwex had advice on how to clean her antique mirror with black spots, lol! Will have to share this post!

Sarah Andrews
Sarah Andrews
6 years ago

I love Antiques!! I love what they represent… a simpler time where people made things with quality in mind!

Heather Wiese
Heather Wiese
6 years ago

I like to refinish old furniture–it gives you a “new” piece for your home and saves purchasing something new. Besides, the older furniture, most, not all, it of a much better construction and made with higher quality materials.