c. 1845 Beautiful Oval Wood Picture Frame w/ Photograph

We are pleased to offer this wonderful antique picture frame for your consideration. The frame measures approximately 12" wide and 14" long.  The inner measurements are approximately 7 1/2" by 9 1/2". The wood has developed a rich patina over the years.  There are four accent areas to the frame done in a nut, leaf, and berry motif. There is a beaded application to the inner circumference. We think that the raised decorations are composition, which were popular in the day.  There are some thin cracks at points to the frame, although none appear to be threatening the integrity of the wood.

The photograph might very well be a copy of the original, although we are not certain of that. There is moderate crackling to the surface of the picture. Neither the matting nor the glass are original to the piece.

We are estimating that the frame dates from c. 1845.  This is based, in part, on two names, written in pencil, found on the back of the frame. The names are written in a more modern hand, but we suspect they were put their to identify the mother and child in the photograph by an heir or descendent. We were able to find the two names in a geneological archive. The mother, Phoebe, gave birth to her son, Andrew, in 1845. Given the style and type of the frame coupled with the family history we feel comfortable that the 1845 date assigned to the piece is reasonably accurate. 

We will provide complimentary insurance.