My photos here don't do much justice to this, but I think it's really a nice thing, and very much a whole package. And while it took me a little while to figure out, I think it is quite possible that this was actually the lid of a writing box, with what appear to be parts of two hinges still attached to the corner sides of the frame at top, and a nail on the bottom edge at center, which would have met a clasp. At least I think so. And if so, one might guess that box held ink and pens and a variety of nibs, and maybe some hand-lettered business cards for Barber's Writing Academy! This is really about near up viewing, to appreciate the details of the inked Fraktur style lettering and the many flourishes--as well as the beauty of the paint decorated frame. The penmanship is c. 1850s, frame maybe a bit older than that.
10" x 7" framed. Good condition, strong black ink on paper/light weight card, set on top of linen, under glass, all original I believe. General wear with plenty of surface scratches and scuffs to the painted frame, which I have not touched. Original wood back to the frame mostly covered with old brown paper. Wired for hanging.
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