Soulful Early Painted and Engraved Looking Glass.....sale pending

Northeast, probably New England, ca. 18th century.  .

White pine, dry, worn slate-gray paint on the front with and rich natural patina on the back. Ambitiously shaped structure to secure the glass, topped by a crest engraved with central flowers above pierced diamonds, flanked by scrolled ears. The design balanced by a scrolled apron. Cool carved invected corners. The molded frame joined by wooden pins on the front, the back with wrought nails, including an unusual carved rail holding the hanging rope.

Early in its life, some 2+ centuries ago, the crest was damaged, breaking off the ears and cracking the center. The pieces were reattached in a make-do manner as the mirror merited saving. Note the continuity of patina across the back of the crest, and of the paint on the front. Remarkably the very thin glass remains uncracked and unquestionably original as it is held within the unopened framing.

About 14 ½ inches tall. Given the sophistication and caliber of construction, likely made as a courting mirror or gift back when having mirror glass was often a luxury.