A George I giltwood marginal plated pier mirror, circa 1725, in the manner of Gumley and Moore

the rectangular and marginal plates within an architectural and foliate carved frame, with a swan-neck cresting centred by a wheat-sheaf, with brass candle-arms

A superb mirror in largely original condition. Mirror plates attractively distressed with some areas of loss to the silvering. The cresting with a loose plate which will need attention and a crack to the giltwood frame to the left of the swan neck. On further inspection, the carved wheat sheaf is probably original and not as stated in the printed catalogue. Small chips and losses to gilt-gesso surface which has exposed the underlying timber in some areas, notably concentrated to the foliate carved border adjacent to the marginal plates. Similarly, there are small chips, loses and repairs to some of the carved detail, notably beneath the left 'Indian mask' which has been re-attached at some point. All of these are consistent with age and use. The gilding and mirror plate are original, though some of the gilding with minor re-touching. The detachable candle arms are probably later but a good match.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Of tabernacle form, this superb mirror evinces the emerging neo-Palladian style popularised by such architects as William Kent (c. 1685–1748) and James Gibbs (1682–1754). Whereas most tabernacle mirrors of the period had a central plate within a carved - often giltwood - frame, the present mirror is unusual in that its extensively plated. It therefore required both a highly skilled carver and glass maker, resulting in an item of the utmost luxury. 

The design of the mirror shares characteristics with the output of James Moore and his partner John Gumley, ‘cabinet-maker and glass-seller to the crown’ from 1717 to 1726. The 'Indian Masks' which adorn the present mirror feature on several tables by or attributed to Moore, who was in turn influenced by Continental ornemanistes such as Le Pautre. These include one in the collection of the Dukes of Devonshire at Chatsworth and another sold Sotheby’s, The Contents of Benacre Hall, Suffolk, 9-11 May 2000, lot 34. For a related giltwood mirror, thought to be the earliest known example of an English tabernacle mirror, supplied to Streatlam Castle, Co. Durham, see Adam Bowett, Early Georgian Furniture 1715-1740, China, 2009, p. 295, pl. 6:57.