How do I date a silver frame?

You date a silver frame by reading the hallmarks stamped onto the metal border. These marks include a date letter corresponding to the specific year and assay office of manufacture. Additional clues come from the overall design style, such as Art Nouveau whiplash lines or Edwardian floral garlands.

How were these frames displayed originally?

These frames sat upon mahogany writing desks, mantelpieces, and boudoir tables in middle and upper-class homes. Their easel backs allowed them to stand independently among other domestic ornaments. Many were also manufactured with rings to hang securely on panelled walls.

Can I polish the silver parts?

You can polish the sterling silver borders using a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive silver cream. Care must be taken to avoid the surrounding fabric, velvet, or glass inserts. Frequent light cleaning preserves the detail of the chased work without wearing down the hallmarks.

What styles dominate this selection?

The selection is heavily influenced by Art Nouveau curves, Edwardian floral motifs, and the clean lines of the George V era. You will also encounter occasional Victorian pieces featuring birds, cherubs, and tortoiseshell. Stylistic shifts reflect the changing tastes in domestic interior decoration from the eighteen-nineties onward.