It isn't often I find unbroken mirrors.
Much less unbroken mirrors with ornate frames, wedged upright between cardboard boxes, in a dumpster where I can reach them. Here is the gem that I saved from the trash.
As you can see some of the outer frame with the Greek key design had broken off. Additionally, the outer frame had become detached from the inner frame on one side and was sort of flopping against the center circle frame where the mirror sits. Hmmm. Still too good to pass up.
I looked on the back and saw this tag.
Wow.
$299 .00 for something that got damaged and discarded.
Originally I wanted to replace the missing parts of the Greek key design, perhaps using cardboard and gold paint.... But I realized that attaching the floppy part of the outer frame back to the center would require either a lot of super glue (and then I wouldn't trust it) or some soldering (which I'm not set up for). I let it sit for a few days until I was doing laundry and decided it was time for the solution - break off the entire outer frame. Armed with safety glasses and a hammer that is exactly what I did. It was fun.
Given how easily the pieces bent and broke off at the connection points and how heavy they are I'm preeeetty sure there is lead in that frame. I definitely washed my hands a few times when it was all over. In the end I was left with this, a simple gold circle.
Here is a close-up of one of the attachment points where the outer frame broke off. The break was not sharp and you can see the mystery grey metal that lies underneath the gold frame.
I replaced the mirror and backing, then strung some picture wire across the back. The only wrap points were the screws, so the wire went around two of them and then I tightened the screw a little bit more, probably didn't need to.
I hung up the final product on a nail that was already in the wall.
In less than 20 minutes (aka one load of laundry) this mirror went from floppy and broken to finished (and lighter!).
It's smaller, and simpler, but that should make it more versatile.
Happy freestyling and Happy New Year.