Antique frames can be a bargain

Antiques

Picture frames are almost universally collected. From the jewel-like silver and enamelled frames, which grace dressing tables, to the gargantuan gilt rococo behemoths, which encrust 19th century family portraits, picture frames are all around us.

Although some are actively collected as an art form, it is more likely that frames are accumulated along with furnishings and art work as accents and to set off pictures.

The rage for antique picture frames began with the nostalgia craze preceding the Bicentennial in 1976. Homeowners, collectors and dealers scoured shops and flea markets for vintage picture frames. Frames often sold at auction for under $10 and eager buyers snapped them up and fitted them to prints and paintings as well as mirrors and family photographs.

At about the same time as awareness of the beauty and style of antique frames began to grow, so did the cost of framing. In many cases the cost of custom framing exceeds the value of the artwork being framed. This, as much as any other factor, drove the homeowner and collector to the auction and flea market in search of bargains in the frames of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The most valuable frames have been actively collected for generations. These are the silver, gold, Sheffield, cloisonne and jewel-encrusted frames of the wealthy. Many of these were made by such prestigious firms as Tiffany and Faberge, and they are very expensive and hard to find. On a more realistic plane are the fine sterling and plated frames so favored by the prosperous middle class during the late Victorian era. Also included in this category are the beautiful and delicate Italian mosaic frames brought back to this country by travelers to Europe.

Many of these silver and mosaic frames are relatively expensive for their size, but they seem to sell steadily to those who want a special place for a particular picture. Many of these styles and designs are being reproduced today, but for the buyer who seeks a challenge, it is still possible to find an antique frame for less than the cost of a copy.

Among the most desireable of forms in antique frames are those which exhibit Art Nouveau of Art Deco designs. Frames of this style come in all materials including silver, silver plate, bronze, copper, brass and white metal. The pervasive theme of the frames of this type is a rather free form floral expression often featuring vines, flowers and berries entwined around the frame. Needless to say, these frames have been extensively reproduced, but the originals are still to be found at auctions and shops. Prices may vary but they tend to be in the range of $50 to $100 for small frames. Obviously those done in precious metals or marked with the name of a well-known maker are more expensive.

Among the larger frames, the most popular seem to be the walnut and cherry examples in natural finish. Many of these late Victorian frames came in an OG or double OG molding and the wood was set off by a fine gilt gesso band around the inside edge. Frames of this type have become increasingly expensive and hard to find with special attention always going to the deep moldings called shadow boxes or the oval and round forms. It is generally easy to find these frames in good condition because they were not subject to much deterioration from dry heat or moisture.

The other category of large frames that are selling well are the golden oak examples dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these frames feature ornate gilt gesso decoration in details such as oak leaves, birds, animals or fruit. Many are silver instead of gilt, but all in all these frames, when found in good condition, are very popular and relatively expensive.

Because of the tendency of the gilt gesso to deteriorate when exposed to moisture or extreme heat, many of these frames are found in less than perfect condition. Restoration can be quite expensive and one alternative is to strip off the gesso and finish the whole frame to natural oak.

Also, recently the plain gilt gesso frames of the early 19th century are becoming increasingly hard to find and collectors of early prints and paintings pay handsomely for examples in good condition. Even badly damaged gilt frames of the early to mid-19th century are selling well and being restored. The more ornate gilt gesso frames of the late 19th century are also on the comeback with some types in good condition selling for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. These frames are expensive to restore, but if they are significant enough in their design and execution, many will spend the money to have them brought back to their original splendor.

Whatever your framing needs are, it is well worth the time to browse through a few shops and flea markets to find that antique bargain, because chances are you will end up paying more for a copy with far less charm and character.

Robert Croul of Newburgh, is the NEWS antiques