How do I date a silver frame?

Dating relies upon reading the assay office marks, maker's marks, and date letters stamped directly onto the silver border. These official hallmarks record the exact year and city of manufacture. Additional dating clues include the style of embossing, the shape of the aperture, and the material of the backing board, such as early black leather supports.

What is an easel frame?

An easel frame utilises a hinged support strut on the reverse, allowing the piece to stand upright on tables, desks, or mantelpieces without wall mounting. These designs range from small tabletop photo frames to larger wooden display easels. The hinged mechanism permits adjustable viewing angles while keeping portraits securely framed in domestic settings.

How were these frames used?

These holders were placed on drawing room tables, writing desks, and pianos to display family portraits and photographic mementos of loved ones. Smaller lockets and pendants were worn as personal jewellery containing miniature images. Folio stands served to store and display larger loose prints, watercolours, and documents within studies and libraries.

Are wooden and metal types different?

Wooden versions primarily take the form of carved oak or mahogany easels and folio stands, designed for structural display and support. Metal pieces, constructed from sterling silver, brass, and gilt bronze, focus on decorative embossed borders around photograph apertures. While wood relies on cabinet-making joinery, metal frames employ silversmithing techniques like piercing and engine-turning.