posting a very heavy antique mirror

[Crispbutty]

I am about to list an antique mirror which I am hoping will get a fair bit of interest. However buyers are likely to be overseas. This is fine, I once drove to Holland to deliver a clock as it was was cheaper than the courier quote! I dont live as close to the eurotunnel now though.

I use global shipping on my smaller items and it has always been fine, would this be the best way to do it with a very large heavy and fragile item (12kg)?

Thanks for any advice :)

I work in an art gallery and when we pack (or get professional packers to pack) delicate items, what we do is "float" them within a wooden crate.

They're kind of suspended there...but these are specialist crates, built for expensive, one off pieces.

I recommend that you purchase or get hold of some of that dense foam...like the stuff you find in some upholstery. It's very firm but soft.

What you're aiming to do is stop ALL movement within the box...and protect from any impact at all.

Corners are weak spots. Or you could use Styrofoam and cut two blocks to encase the mirror.

thankyou. I have a lot of good packaging material so that will be great. I have listed it but it doesnt appear I can use the global shipping programme so I have just added that overseas buyers need to arrange their own courier. hopefully this will be ok. fingers crossed!!

Mirrors I've posted within UK have ended up damaged/smashed to bits, no matter how well I packaged it. Even if it doesn't arrive damaged they can lie and say it has.
For a large mirror I would do pick up/cash on collection in UK only - to save you getting damages to the mirror and loosing out. Although i know you are keen to sell abroad. But for something so fragile I wouldn't. Clothes etc yes.

no courier will insure antiques /mirrors/ glass against loss or damage
however "mailboxes" do auction houses use them to send stuff they are not cheap could be £50-60 plus even within UK

it must be transported upright not horizontal to minimise chances of fracturing that is why glass for windows is always carried vertically on vans as the bumps have less impact that way