An oval antique sorcerer's / witches mirror

A late 19th / early 20th century sorcerer's mirror plate, with staff of caduceus symbol.

The oval mirror has an intricate border consisting of 46 reverse ground circular optics, which were believed to aid 'scrying' or divination.

Although these optics are seen throughout all sorcerer's mirrors, the presence of the additional symbol known as the staff of caduceus is very uncommon, certainly a first for us.

The staff of caduceus; a symbol used to represent medicinal practitioners and apothecaries, suggest the mirror could have hung in a chemist / apothecary shop.

This really is quite the talking piece given the collectibility of witches and sorcerer's mirrors, the additonal apothecary symbolism makes it very intriguing indeed.

Dimensions:

37.6cm high x 27.6cm wide x 6mm deep.

The mirror has survived very well considering its fragile nature, with only one minor nibble to one edge as illustrated. With some age related wear and tear, no obvious foxing present, and no signs of repair or restoration.