Looking Glass

Date1784-1804

Labeled by John Elliott

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumMahogany, white pine (by microanalysis), and tulip poplar

DimensionsOH: 48 1/4"; OW: 24 3/4"; OD: 1 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1930-99

DescriptionLooking glass with central cresting with raised and rounded arch flanked by series of minor C- and S-scrolls, then two large S-scrolls, then minor scrolls; large flame-like wings or "ears" on either side of outer edge of frame enlarge cresting; rectangular ogee molding with indented upper corners enclose single, plain non-beveled glass; base skirt cut in rounded inverted arched form; scalloped to conform in feeling with cresting; scrolled "ears" attached to base of frame at either side; cresting and skirt re-enforced in back with glue-blocks.

Label for John Elliot's shop in Philadelphia on reverse of looking glass: "John Elliott / At No. 60, South Front Street, between Chesnut and Walnut Streets / Philadelphia / Sells by Wholesale and Retail / Looking Glasses / in neat Mahogany Frames of American Manufacture . . ."
InscribedLabel for John Elliott Jr.'s shop in Philadelphia on reverse of looking glass: "JOHN ELLIOTT, / At No. 60, South Front Street, between Chesnut and Walnut Streets / PHILADELPHIA, / Sells by Wholesale and Retail / Looking Glasses / in neat Mahogany Frames of American Manufacture:/ Coach Glasses, Window Glass, Spectacles, Paint-/ ers' Colours, Oil, Varnishes, &c. -- And a ge-/ neral Assortment of / Drugs and Medecines./ N.B. Old Glasses new guicksilvered and framed as usual,/ and new Glass supplied to People's Old Frames."

Rubber stamped on back of glass "MIRROR GLASS / Hires Turner Glass Co / Aug 18, 1922" with image of a lighthouse."

Joseph Rogers / [illegible]" in ink on rear of frame, proper left top.
MarkingsNone