Convex Wall Mirror Value Guide

This striking early 20th-century convex mirror, often called a 'witch mirror' or 'banker's eye,' features a unique blue-tinted glass set within a segmented dark frame. These mirrors were historically prized for their wide-angle security benefits and their ability to expand the light and perceived space of a room.

What affects the value of Convex Wall Mirror?

• The presence and preservation of the rare blue-tinted convex glass significantly impacts the $400-$440 valuation.
• The condition of the segmented frame, specifically the integrity of the leather-wrapped or painted wood surface.
• Historical provenance and the aesthetic appeal of the early 20th-century European craftsmanship.
• The overall size and clarity of the reflection, which determines its utility as a decorative object.

How to Identify Convex Wall Mirror?

• Examine the glass for a distinct blue tint and a pronounced convex curvature characteristic of security mirrors.
• Inspect the frame for segmented detailing and a finish consistent with leather-wrapped or painted wood from the 1900-1930 era.
• Look for signs of age-appropriate wear on the dark frame finish, which may be European in origin.
• Verify the wide-angle reflection capability, a hallmark of authentic 'banker's eye' mirrors.

History of Convex Wall Mirror

Convex mirrors, also known as 'witch mirrors' or 'banker's eyes', gained popularity in the 15th century, believed to ward off evil spirits and provide a wide-angle view of a room, which was useful for security in places like banks. They experienced a resurgence in the Regency and Biedermeier periods, often set in decorative frames and used as elegant decorative objects to expand the apparent size of a room or to subtly reflect light.