Definitely among my favorite folk art frames that I've found, this one to my eye is tramp art at its best, late 19th century I believe, and signed by hand on the back by its maker, Frank, whose last name I can't quite read. I want to describe its style as gothic, with points extending from every corner and two more at the top giving wings to the arch, plus the black paint, original to it, which makes it feel all the more so. The stacked layers that ends in points are in the form of hearts, which make it feel like a love token too--so, perhaps the perfect frame for a portrait of a lost love. I've gotten so that the backs of frames like this mean as much to me as the front, revealing the care invested in the construction as well as the materials, and this one, made of cigar box wood, is just right, and with original glass, cigar box lid backing it, and one square nail holding them in place.
13" t x 9 1/8" w x 1 5/8" d. Sight: 6 1/2" x 4 3/8". Very good condition, better in person, with perfect aging/mellowing to the black paint. I will add a piece of cardboard behind the glass and wood backing to keep it tight for travel. Once filled, a few more nails or a little tape on the back will be needed to keep the glass tight.
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