Unique Ebonised & Bobbin Turned Adjustable Telescopic Table Mirror C.1850

The early Victorian period bobbin turned adjustable telescopic table mirror, of very unusual design and showing the original ebonised finish with traces of gilded floral highlights, having a weighted iron ball at the reverse to a brass telescopic tube extending to four feet long, terminating to a hook and handle to a domed mirror plate with long turned finial supports, the whole surviving from the mid-point of the nineteenth century.

In fine condition the frame has traces of the original decorations on the turnings of the woodwork. The shaped antique mirror can be angled and is in very good condition and the telescopic movement glides well and fastens.

The form of this mirror is worthy of further research but may be linked to the lace industry. The hooked handle was most probably present to suspend a candle in front of the mirror, to reflect light into a dark corner or to illuminate more for reading or needlework. It is possible it may have also been used for early photography. The telescopic part is similar to that of early lighting; such as an 18th C wrought iron candlestand with adjustable telescoping candlearm.

Popular in mid-nineteenth century England, bobbin turning showcased the wood turning skills of craftsmen of the era and this piece shows a plethora of individually turned pieces.

A quite extraordinary architectural mirror of which one won’t see the like of again.