A circa mid 20th century French Style Mirror with side lithographs

Mirrors like this sit in a sweet spot between decorative arts and practical interior design: they’re functional, they’re architectural, and they can be surprisingly collectible when the frame, glass, and decoration remain original.

Your description points to a mid-20th-century “French style” mirror (often described as trumeau, pier, or overmantel style) with a central mirror plate and two flanking lithograph panels under glass. A date such as 1943 (written or stamped) fits well with post-Art Deco transitional pieces that borrow older French motifs (gilt gesso, neoclassical lines) while using more modern construction.

What is a “French style” mirror with side lithographs?

In the decorative-arts trade, “French style” often means the mirror was made inspired by French designs (Louis XV, Louis XVI, Empire, or Art Deco), but not necessarily in France or by a documented maker. Many mid-century examples were made for export markets and may have no maker’s label.

The “side lithographs” are typically paper prints (lithographs) mounted behind glass. They can depict pastoral scenes, still lifes, or architectural motifs. Because they’re paper-based, the lithograph panels are a major condition driver: fading, foxing, and water staining can reduce value even if the mirror plate is excellent.

Key dating clues for a 1940s mirror

• Back construction: mid-century boards and fasteners are more standardized than 19th century work; look for machine-cut backing panels and uniform nails/screws.
• Hanging hardware: D-rings, wire, or stamped hangers are common after the 1930s; hand forged hooks are earlier.
• Mirror glass: true 18th–early 19th century plates show characteristic waviness and extensive spotting; 1940s glass is typically flatter but can still show light age speckling.
• Gesso and gilding: gilt gesso molding can be crisp in 1940s pieces, but the surface often shows a slightly more uniform leaf/paint application than earlier water-gilded frames.

How the lithograph panels affect value

For mirrors with side prints, value usually hinges on four interacting factors:

• Originality: are the prints original to the mirror, or later replacements?
• Condition: foxing (brown speckles), rippling, frame burn, and moisture stains are common.
• Subject and color: crisp black-and-white architectural prints often sell better than washed-out florals.
• Presentation: intact mats, spacers, and clean glass make the panels read as “designed,” not improvised.

Condition checklist (what to photograph)

If you want the most accurate valuation, photograph the mirror in bright, indirect light and capture the following:

• Full front: straight-on, to show proportions and overall design.
• Close-ups of corners: chips, losses, regilding, cracks in gesso, repairs.
• Side lithographs: close enough to show paper texture and any foxing or staining.
• Back: construction, label remnants, stamps, date notes, and hanging hardware.
• Mirror surface: spotting, silver loss, scratches, and any replaced plate.

Value range: what a fair market appraisal looks like

For a typical mid-20th-century French style mirror with side lithographs in original condition (no major losses to the gesso or print panels), a reasonable retail asking range is often:

• $350–$450 for an average, clean example (a common appraisal range).
• $200–$350 if the lithographs are stained/faded or the frame has visible losses.
• $450–$800+ if scale is impressive, the gilding is crisp, and the panels present exceptionally well.

High-style period French trumeau mirrors (18th–19th century) can bring much more, but those are a different market segment and are usually supported by stronger construction evidence, provenance, and more sophisticated gilding.

Recent auction comparables (trumeau / French-style mirrors)

Below are three auction results for related trumeau/French-style mirrors. Note that many auction results are pairs; to compare to a single mirror, appraisers typically adjust downward.

How to sell (without damaging value)

• Measure first: list height × width × depth and, if possible, weight. Size is a major pricing variable.
• Don’t clean aggressively: avoid metal polishes on gilded surfaces; use a dry microfiber cloth and consult a conservator for flaking gesso.
• Local pickup performs best: mirrors are fragile and shipping is expensive; many buyers filter for pickup.
• Use the right marketplace: for decorative mid-century mirrors, Facebook Marketplace and local consignment are often fastest; for higher-end gilt frames, consider specialist auctions.
• Pack like artwork: if shipping, double-box, protect the glass with foam board, and insure for replacement cost.

FAQ

Q: Does “French style” mean it was made in France?
A: Not necessarily. It typically means the design vocabulary is French-inspired; country of manufacture requires labels, stamps, or construction evidence.

Q: Should I replace cloudy mirror glass?
A: Replacement can improve décor appeal, but originality matters to collectors. If you replace the plate, keep the old glass and document the change.

Q: Are the lithographs valuable on their own?
A: Usually the value is in the complete decorative object. Paper condition still matters because it’s part of the design.

Q: What’s the fastest way to raise value?
A: Presentation. Clean the glass, photograph well, and disclose condition honestly. Avoid “restoring” the gilding unless done by a specialist.