Thanks Martin. Yes, those search terms turn up convincing examples of flaked edges.

It does look as if Australia is over-represented. However they are not all from Australia. Under 'Completed listing' two turn up from USA.

Richard


>
>Subject: Re: Flaking on edge of wall mirror
>   From: "Martin C. Perdue" <[log in to unmask]>
>   Date: Tue, 12 Jun 2007 01:12:02 +0000
>     To: [log in to unmask]
>
>Try searching for:
>
>mirror (flake,scallop,scalloped)
>
>on ebay (in item description as well as title).  Results in several hits --  
>all in Australia curiously enough.
>
>Marty
>[log in to unmask]
>
>-------------- Original message -------------- 
>From: Richard Wright <[log in to unmask]> 
>
>> I had wondered whether the example I illustrate is a once-off produced by an 
>> enthusiastic amateur. 
>> 
>> However since my original post I find that there was one sold on Ebay that also 
>> looks like having a flaked edge. 
>> 
>> http://cgi.ebay.com.au/VINTAGE-ART-DECO-BEVELLED-EDGE-WALL-MIRROR_W0QQitemZ23013 
>> 8393280QQihZ013QQcategoryZ364QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting 
>> 
>> The mirror itself is different in shape. So if I am correct in my interpretation 
>> of the Ebay item then it looks as if lithic technology was, for a time, 
>> generally applied to the decoration of mirrors. 
>> 
>> Incidentally, in the case of the mirror I illustrate there is no bevel around 
>> the edge of the glass before the flakes were struck. So they were struck from a 
>> 90 degree intersection between the striking platform and the dorsal surface. 
>> 
>> How was it done with such regularity of size, form and spacing of flake scars? 
>> 
>> My speculation is that the glass was held on a flat surface in a jig. There was 
>> a weighted bar, with a series of regularly spaced protrusions aligned along its 
>> underside to act as punches. This bar then dropped down in runners from a fixed 
>> height onto the glass, producing all the scars on one edge simultaneously. I 
>> cannot believe that a knapper worked around the edges with a hammer and punch. 
>> The scars look too regular in form and spacing. 
>> 
>> Are these mirrors the only case of the modification of stone age technology to 
>> automated mass production of industrial goods? 
>> 
>> Richard 
>> 
>>