I've got a special weakness for old tambourines, finding them quite beautiful objects formally, and also for knowing they've lived long lives of being held and shaken--really among the most immediate of instruments. I would guess this beautiful linen covered one lived a good life before becoming the frame for a bevelled mirror--but the mirror itself has clearly been there for a good long time, too. I imagine the transformation occurred after the drum tore or wore through--so a sort of make do mirror, presumably not to let the frame go to waste. And really a lovely thing.
Original linen covered wooden frame is 7 1/8" in diameter x 2 1/4"; 7 3/4" across at jingles. Beautiful patina, with scattered stains to the linen, all to the good I think, as is the little bit of desilvering to the bevelled mirror.
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