Edwardian Double Frame
An edwardian double frame provides a practical twin opening for photographs, executed in silver plate or polished metals typical of the period.
Edwardian Double Frame
When you search for an edwardian double frame, you encounter items designed to hold two separate images side by side within a shared or connected housing. The pieces on this page span the Edwardian period alongside late Victorian and early twentieth century examples.
The proportions suit standard mantelpieces, dressing tables, and writing desks. They accommodate dual portraits, often family members or military figures from the era.
Materials and Construction
Makers utilised silver plate and sterling silver over a rigid structural core, joining dual apertures with hinges or fixed bridges. Metal components receive polished finishes or chased ornamentation characteristic of the prevailing styles.
Backing boards typically consist of wood covered in fabric or leather, secured with turn-buttons to protect the paper photographs within. Glass panes sit flush behind the metal bezels to seal the portrait surface.
Edwardian Double Frame Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian double frame among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Quality and Finish
Superior examples display crisp hallmarks, heavier gauge metal, and intricate decorative chasing around the bezels and hinges. Plain stamped brass or thin silver plate sits lower in the range, relying on simpler production methods.
The integrity of the structural joints and the retention of the original backing materials separate standard utility items from finer domestic objects produced by established makers.
The Edwardian Double Frame Glossary
- Edwardian
- Relating to the reign of King Edward VII, spanning from nineteen hundred to nineteen ten, noted for lighter furniture and refined decorative arts. This era prioritised elegance and domestic comfort.
- Silver Plate
- A layer of silver fused to a base metal core such as copper or brass, offering the appearance of solid silver at a lower production cost. This technique was widespread for domestic table goods and frames.
- Bezel
- The grooved rim that holds the glass and photograph securely inside the frame opening. It protects the edge of the image from dust and moisture.
- Hallmark
- An official stamp applied to precious metals indicating the standard of purity, the assay office, and the date letter. These marks authenticate silver items.
Edwardian Double Frame: Frequently Asked Questions
What fits inside an edwardian double frame?
These housings accept standard photographic prints from the period, usually on card mounts or cut to the exact aperture size.
Modern prints can also be trimmed to fit if you wish to display contemporary pictures within the antique setting.
How do I clean the metal safely?
Use a soft cloth with a mild metal polish designed specifically for silver plate or brass to remove tarnishing gently.
Avoid abrasive cloths or harsh chemical dips that can strip thin plating from the underlying base metal.
Are the hinges usually original?
Most quality items retain their original working hinges which allow the two sections to fold or stand at an angle.
Replacements appear occasionally where heavy use caused the original pins to shear or wear away over decades.
Can these frames stand unsupported?
Folding double versions stand by angling the two connected panels against each other on a flat surface.
Single-plane variants rely on an easel strut attached to the reverse backing board for stability.