Vintage French Filigree Style Silver Tone Picture Frame

This little frame is covered edge to edge in openwork that imitates lace, with faceted glass stones in red, blue, green, and clear set into the flower centers. It was made to stand on a dressing table or mantel and hold a single photograph, the kind of ornamental frame that turned a portrait into a small display. The glass slides out from the top, so it is easy to change what you show.

[d]Dimensions | 8.5 in. H x 7 in. W x 7 in. D

[d]Aperture | 6 in. H x 4.5 in. W

[d]Surface | Silver-toned metal with age darkening in the recesses

[d]Primary Material | Silver-toned metal, magnetic

[d]Period | Vintage

[d]Date | 20th century

[d]Origin | France, attributed

[d]Style or Movement | Filigree-style openwork, in the lace manner

[d]Also Known As | filigree photo frame

[d]Maker, Mark, or Attribution | No maker's mark found

[d]Construction or Technique | Cast openwork border over a plain back plate, wire easel strut, folded tab hinge

[d]Secondary Material | Faceted glass paste stones

[d]Hardware or Mounts | Wire easel strut, top-loading glass

[condition]

This frame is in good vintage condition with wear that suits its age. The openwork border is intact all the way around with no breaks to the lace pattern that I can see. The metal has darkened in the recesses, which gives it depth and is normal for a piece of this age and finish. Two of the colored glass stones are missing from their settings, leaving empty seats among the flower heads. The remaining stones in red, blue, green, and clear are present and hold color well. The back plate shows scratching and surface marks consistent with use, visible in the photographs. The glass is present and slides out from the top as intended. The wire easel strut is attached and holds the frame upright. Please review all photographs closely, as they form part of this description.