The History of Mercury and Silvered Glass
Mercury glass was first used in decorative antiques about 1840, to provide a reflective coating for mirrors, and elemental mercury was used in this process. However it was soon replaced by silvered glass, which was easier to produce using silver nitrate instead.
The History of Mercury and Silvered Glass
Known in England as “poor man’s silver”, silvered glass provided an inexpensive alternative to the genuine silver ordinary people only saw in their churches and the houses of the wealthy. It has recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity once again, and there are many modern reproduction pieces in manufacture. Genuine antique silvered glass can be distinguished by having a double glass wall, a pontil with either a closed or open hole (not a solid base); it will be lightweight and any mottling to the glass will not be uniform.
Character and Appeal
Of the many antique decorative items at Mist Antiques silvered glass is a favourite. Much of my current stock has a wonderful soft faded patina, acquired through time. When originally produced the hand-blown clear glass had a hole at the base to enable the liquid silver nitrate to be added. The holes were sealed with wax or cork, but over time these were lost, so the silvering inside oxidised with exposure to air, creating a distinctive mottled or tarnished appearance.
Using Silvered Glass in Interiors
The silvery appearance of silvered glass is what makes it such beautiful decorative antiques for the home today! The reflective quality, which is less harsh than normal glass, adds a luminescence and softness which is immediately warming and welcoming, drawing the eye to a certain area of a room. Silvered glass works particularly well with antiques and interiors, especially when wanting to add light or interest to small or dark corners.
They work equally well when displayed in a group, adding shimmer and immediate interest to your home. When carefully placed silvered glass decorative antiques can create distinctive and appealing silhouettes that add depth and contrast to the spaces they reflect off.
Current Pieces at Mist Antiques
Currently I have a good selection of slivered glass candlesticks, some with charming painted flowers - or sometimes only the faint remnant of a delicate faded petal or leaf - these were very popular in Victorian times and are all listed in the Decorative/Ceramic Glass section.
Look out for a whole collection of Church votives, chalices and vases arriving soon. In the meantime, please take a moment to explore the current selection of decorative antiques available.