A William & Mary example, however, offered by Tayler & Fletcher (18% buyer’s premium) in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, on June 24-25, was complete.
It retains the pierced pediment of a crown flanked by opposing lion and unicorn that takes it to 2ft 7in (78cm) high and the glass too is probably an original ‘Vauxhall’ plate.
According to diarist John Evelyn (1620-1706), the glass made in an area just north of Vauxhall Gardens in the late 17th century was quite exceptional: “They make huge vases of metal, as clear, thick and ponderous as crystal, also looking-glasses far finer and larger than any that came from Venice.”
Despite some condition issues (notably the bowed cresting), against a guide of £400-600 it took £8600.
House sale
The mirror was part of the contents of a local country house, recently sold for £10m.
George III period serpentine-fronted mahogany commode – £7000 at Taylor & Fletcher.
Also well received was a pair of Sheraton revival satinwood bonheurs de jour with neoclassical style painted decoration and 3ft 8in (1.09m) George III period serpentine-fronted mahogany commode with a well-figured moulded top, original gilt-metal swan-neck handles and canted corners headed with two Adams-style patera.
These sold to the trade at £4000 and £7000 respectively.
