Every now and then you come across a piece that you just have to have, and this mirror is a great example.
Dated 1721 (on the reverse), it appears to be an exotic flame mahogany frame but in fact it’s pine covered in gesso and then carefully painted to look veneered. It was a really popular technique in the 18th century when mahogany, rosewood & walnut would have been too expensive for most people. A frame like this is a rare survivor.