How do I clean a silver table photo frame?

Use a soft microfibre cloth and a mild, non-abrasive silver polish to remove tarnish from the metal elements. Take care to avoid getting moisture or polish on the glass, velvet backing or exposed paper photographs. Store the frame away from direct sunlight and damp environments to preserve the integrity of both the silver and the internal wooden supports.

Can I replace the glass in an antique frame?

Original glass remains preferable for authenticity, but a restorer can cut replacement glass if the pane cracks. Ensure the new glass matches the thinness typical of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century manufacturing. Take caution when removing the backing pins, as brittle metal tabs on antique frames can snap off if bent repeatedly.

What periods do these silver frames cover?

The inventory spans Victorian, Edwardian, George V and Art Deco eras, capturing designs from eighteen-eighty to nineteen-twenty-one. Styles shift from ornate Rococo Revival and Aesthetic movement pieces to clean geometric Art Deco lines. Assay office marks and stylistic cues help date each individual object accurately.

How were these frames displayed originally?

Owners placed them on library writing tables, mantelpieces and dressing dressers to display family portraits or watercolours. The hinged wooden struts allowed easy adjustment of the viewing angle. Some larger items featured two-way viewing capacities to showcase multiple images simultaneously.