of Consoles, Mirrors, and Bronze Chandeliers with Immediate Payment

Do you own high-value antique furniture? Let us assess its worth.

Berti Antichità purchases your antique console, mirror, and bronze chandeliers. We buy antique furniture, whether individual pieces or entire collections, including significant estates, with immediate payment. Send us a photo via WhatsApp, and we will get back to you.

Our valuations are aimed at purchasing antiques. Inspections are always free of charge, and the collection of items is handled by Berti Antichità. Inspections are conducted only for serious sellers. A market valuation can only be provided by a professional in the field. Berti Antichità has been active in the antique market since 1956.

The benefits of selling antiques with immediate payment are numerous: immediate liquidity, confidentiality of the transaction, and the assurance of selling your items  securely. Thanks to Berti Antichità’s international presence, working with a professional ensures a successful outcome.

Valuation and Purchase of Consoles and Chandeliers: Criteria for a Proper Valuation

The first aspect to consider when evaluating an antique console, mirror, or bronze chandelier is the object's era—that is, when it was created. A piece of antique furniture is considered such only if it is original and authentically from the period corresponding to its style. If this is not the case, it cannot be classified as antique.

Another factor determining the value of an antique console or mirror is its condition: the use of fine woods and materials, the quality of the carving, and the construction and finishing techniques. In addition to these objective criteria, the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece plays a role. This can only be evaluated by a professional, such as an antique dealer.

Historical Notes on Antique Consoles

Originating as a variation of the table, the console became prominent in France during the 16th century Renaissance. It gained significant attention for its intricate details, rich decorations, and carvings. Consoles are of two main types: one with two front legs and the other with four. Consoles are designed to rest against a wall, with three finished sides and one unfinished side facing the wall.

Antique consoles were often representational pieces, frequently adorned with mirrors and bronze chandeliers. The console (known as "consolle" in Italian) is the epitome of versatile furniture, adapting to every era. The style and materials of antique consoles vary across time periods and geographic regions. They could be crafted in plain wood, gilded wood, or lacquered finishes.

We value your antique console. Contact us on WhatsApp at +39 335281522 or email us at bertiantic@gmail.com.

History of Mirrors

The earliest known antique mirrors date back to 3000 BC. The mirror as we know it emerged in the late Middle Ages, but the manufacturing process was complex. It wasn’t until the Renaissance in Florence, with the invention of low-temperature lead backing, that mirrors became more widespread. Venetian craftsmen perfected glass polishing and flattening techniques, patented by Vincenzo Redor, which allowed for perfectly flat and regular mirrors.

These techniques were so highly guarded that master glassmakers were isolated on the island of Murano to protect the secrets, akin to a prison. Despite severe risks—including the threat of death to themselves and their families—some artisans fled to France. Under Colbert in 1665, French production rivalled Venice, becoming integral to Baroque interior design.

From the 16th century to the mid-19th century, the reflective surface of mirrors was created using mercury combined with tin, giving them a sparkling appearance but making them extremely costly. In 1835, German chemist Justus von Liebig invented the silver-backed mirror, enabling mass production and making mirrors affordable for all.

We provide valuations for the purchase of antique mirrors, consoles, and chandeliers.

We buy antiques. Contact us for more information or send a photo at +39335281522, or email us at bertiantic@gmail.com.

Berti Antichità - Since 1956, operating in the world of antiques.

A Bit of History

Historical Overview of Antique Consoles and Mirrors

Antique Consoles:

Originating as a variation of the table, the console gained prominence and became a staple in France. During the Renaissance in the 16th century, it began receiving greater attention, featuring intricate details, rich decorations, and exquisite carvings. Consoles typically fall into two categories: those with two front legs and those with four legs.

Consoles are designed to rest against a wall, as they are finished on three sides, leaving the fourth side unadorned.

Antique consoles were prestigious pieces of furniture, often accompanied by antique mirrors and bronze candelabra  displayed above them.

The console is considered the most versatile piece of furniture, having evolved and adapted to suit various eras. The style and materials used for antique consoles varied according to their period and geographical origin. These pieces could be made of plain wood, gilded wood, or lacquered finishes.

We evaluate your antique console! Contact us via Whatsapp at +39 335281522 or email us at bertiantic@gmail.com.

Mirrors:

The first antique mirrors date back to 3000 BCE. The mirror, as we know it today, emerged dug the late Middle Ages. Its production was highly complex until the Renaissance in Florence, where the invention of a low-temperature lead backing process marked a significant milestone.

Later, Venetian craftsmen perfected the technique of polishing and flattening glass to produce flawless, regular mirrors. This process, patented by Vincenzo Redor, granted Venice a monopoly on mirror production. The method was so secretive that glassmakers were confined to Murano island, almost as if imprisoned, to prevent leaks of trade secrets.

Despite these measures, some artisans managed to escape and sought refuge in France. France soon became a formidable competitor, with Colbert successfully bribing some Venetian glassmakers. By 1665, French production had reached a high standard and became widely used in Baroque architecture.

From the 16th century until the mid-19th century, the reflective effect of mirrors was achieved using mercury combined with tin, giving mirrors a sparkling appearance. However, this technique was prohibitively expensive. In 1835, German chemist Justus von Liebig invented the silvered mirror. This innovative process enabled mass production, making mirrors affordable for everyone.

We evaluate antique mirrors, consoles, and candelabra for purchase.
We buy antiques! Contact us for more information or send a photo via WhatsApp at +39335281522, or email us at bertiantic@gmail.com.

Berti Antichità - Operating in the world of antiques since 1956.