An exceptional example of the American cheval looking glass on stand.  It has a acorn finials over reeded pillars with center screws to support the rectangular mirror's position.  A turned support stretcher joins both columns over splayed legs.  This particular mirror has an excellent old finish.  Below is information referencing an almost identical mirror in AMERICAN FURNITURE: The Federal Period by Charles F. Montgomery (p.284).

248 LOOKING GLASS ON STAND, or Cheval Glass

About 1805 Probably American

The term “horse,” or cheval, glass is explained by Sheraton in his Cabinet Dictionary as follows: “a term applied to the feet which supports a rising desk, or which keeps a glass in an inclined position.  It is also used to denote a kind of tall dressing-glass suspended by two pillars and claws, and may, when hung by two centre screws, be turned back or forward to suit the person who dresses at them.”

The shape of the legs and the applied bosses at their tips suggest a slightly later date than that of No. 247, of which this is a smaller version. Although such frames are more frequently found in New York than elsewhere, it is at present impossible to relate this one to documented examples.

Provenance: Exhibited in Accessions 1960, Henry Francis

Provenance: Exhibited in Accessions 1960, Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum; No.15, p.13, in catalogue of the same title.

Accession: 59.129

Mahogany; glass retainer block, tulip poplar backboards.