Mirrored wall sconce
A wall light for candles, in which the mirror behind doubled the light.
Before electricity light was expensive, and mirrors were used to spread it. The sconce hung on the wall between the windows and gave both light and lustre.
Old mirrors are recognised by the thin, slightly uneven glass and by the silvering, which becomes spotted and grey with time.
Materials: Gilt wood or brass, mirror glass
Manufacture: The glass was cast or blown and silvered with tin and mercury; the frame was carved and gilded.
The mirror glass behind the candle, often in several pieces.
The curving frame with rocailles.
The candle socket and drip pan on the arm.