For as long as we’ve made transportable artwork, be it on canvas or print, there have been frames to hold & protect them. This article focuses specifically on 20th century frames, mostly in metals or woods, but there are some unique ones thrown in too. (Terracotta, anyone?) Read on for information about the value of frames, how to find a keeper, and some listings to get you started!
What to Look for When Buying One
Here are three things to keep an eye on while shopping for your new-old frame:
Joinery: specifically for wood frames, but also in general, you’ll want to check that the four sides are still joined tightly together (these edges are typically a diagonal line at each corner).
Surface damage: how much surface scratches and dings are you comfortable with? Does this frame have a particularly outstanding gouge? Make sure you’re comfortable with exactly how the frame you purchase looks.
Glass/backing/hardware included: sometimes antique frames are only the frame, sometimes they include the back but no glass, or else they could be entirely intact … except for the hanging wire. Check what’s included to make sure you have everything you need for your intended purpose!
Table of Contents
I) 8×10 Vintage Picture Frames
1. Patterned Ornate Frame
Era: 1970s
Material: Wood, vinyl, & metal
Size: 8×10”
Color: Black & gold
Price: $24-48
Slanted profile with an embossing-style pattern in gold on black, this frame also has a vinyl liner (unremovable) adding to the glam styling. The price variance is dependent on what kind of glass you want included, it comes with hanging hardware for both horizontal and vertical use.
2. Brass Frame
Era: 1980s
Material: Brass
Size: 8×10”
Color: Brass
Price: $22
A unique brass frame, this piece is in good condition with the original backing still in place.
3. Pewter Florals
Era: 1980s
Material: Pewter & glass
Size: 8×10”
Color: Silver
Price: $25
This is a lovely cast-pewter piece with an Art Nouveau floral pattern. It is in great condition, glass & backing included.
4. Floral Gold
Era: 1980s
Material: Composition
Size: 8×10”
Color: Cream, Green, & Pink
Price: $23-47
This is an antique frame that the seller will add glass and backing for per your selection, the price range is based on glass selection. The frame itself is vintage with all the charm and age that includes. (Matting is also available through the seller, as an additional item to order.)
5. Mid-Century Victorian
Era: Mid-20th-century
Material: Plastic
Size: 8×10”
Color: Bronze
Price: $26
A charming bronze-toned piece, this frame is a plastic rendition of a style previously made of wood & metal leafing. The benefit of plastic is in its longevity, this piece still looks good—except for the plastic that replaces the glass, which seems to have clouded over time.
6. Golden Metal Frame with Mat
Era: Pre-2000
Material: Metal
Size: 8×10”, with mat 5×7”
Color: Gold frame, off-white mat
Price: $20
A thin golden-toned metal frame in good condition, there are some light scratches on front of frame. The picture mat is included with the frame, as well as glass & backing. It has both hanging & tabletop display hardware.
7. Rhinestone Enamel Frame
Era: Pre-2000
Material: Metal, plastic, & glass
Size: 8×10”
Color: Yellow
Price: $15
This is a more unique frame design, with the enamel-style patterning & inset rhinestones around the periphery. It appears to be in excellent condition, with the easelback still in place along with the glass front.
II) 11×14 Vintage Picture Frames
1. Thin Gold Frame
Era: 1960s
Material: Metal
Size: 11×14”
Color: Gold
Price: $35
This is a simple gold frame with a slight bevel & a styled edging. The glass and backing are included; you have the choice of horizontal or vertical hardware for either wall or easel display.
2. Barn Red Wood
Era: 1980s
Material: Wood
Size: 11×14”
Color: Red
Price: $28-63
This is a lovely thin frame in a bright red color, it is in good condition and ready for whatever glass you choose. Backing & hanging hardware are included as well.
3. Ornate Tarnished White
Era: 1980s
Material: Wood
Size: 11×14”
Color: White
Price: $36-79
A fancy beading pattern surrounds the exterior of this purposefully tarnished white frame. This piece was made to look antique, the fact that it now is blends in seamlessly! This frame comes with backing, hanging hardware, and the glass of your choice.
4. Antiqued Ornate Gold
Era: 1990s
Material: MDF Composition
Size: 11×14”
Color: Gold
Price: $48-95
This is another more recently vintage piece, made to look older than it is. The elaborate styling is Victorian reminiscent. This piece again comes with backing, hanging hardware, and your choice of glass.
5. Silver Engraved Frame
Era: Pre-2000
Material: Metal
Size: 11×14”
Color: Silver
Price: $32
This frame features a Baroque-style pattern engraved on the face. It is in good condition with only mild wear here and there. Glass is included, as well as hooks & wire for vertical hanging.
III) 4×6 Vintage Picture Frames
1. Art Deco Metal
Era: 1970s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 8.7×7.5” overall, 4×6” picture
Color: Silver
Price: $42
A ‘70s throwback to an earlier style, this piece is in great condition with the original backing and minimal signs of wear.
2. Gold Chain Link
Era: 1970s
Material: Metal
Size: 4×6”
Color: Gold
Price: $15
This is a thin frame with artistry in the details. It in is good condition, with some minor scruffs and scratches on the surface.
3. Brand New Acme Bronze
Era: 1980s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 4×6”
Color: Bronze
Price: $12
This is a brand-new Acme brand frame sold through the American Greetings Company. It’s never been used so it’s in excellent condition!
4. Printed Plexiglass
Era: 1990s
Material: Plexiglass
Size: 4×6”
Color: Cream & blue
Price: $26
This piece does show some wear: surface scratches and slight discoloring on the clear face. However, it is otherwise a quintessentially ‘90s piece, colorful and zany!
5. 1990s Hollywood Regency
Era: 1990s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 9.5×7.5” overall, 4×6” picture
Color: Gold
Price: $10
An ornate Hollywood Regency style frame from the very edge of vintage dates. This piece is in good condition, with minimal wear and original backing.
6. Chunky Ornate Boho
Era: 1990s
Material: Heavy Composition
Size: 4×6”
Color: Brown & gold
Price: $24-30
This is a lovely style, an ornate bohemian look. The corner cuts are a bit more noticeable on this one, but it seems to be a sturdy build overall.
7. Ornate Gold & Rhinestones
Era: 1990s
Material: Metal, rhinestones, & wood
Size: 4×6”
Color: Gold
Price: $16-21
This frame is an ornate piece of cast-metal work, inset with clear rhinestones for that extra dash of sparkle! It is natively a tabletop display, but the seller is offering to convert it to hanging if desired. The price range is based on your choice of glass.
8. Eclectic Terracotta
Era: 1990s
Material: Terracotta & glass
Size: 4×6”
Color: Terracotta
Price: $20
This frame is made from an unusual choice of material, making it a unique piece to own! It’s in excellent condition with no outstanding chips or scratches. Glass and tabletop backing are included.
9. French-style Gold
Era: Pre-2000
Material: Plastic
Size: 7.5×6.5” overall, 4×5” picture
Color: Gold
Price: $16
This is a French-style ornate frame that is stunning. It shows a bit of surface wear but no major issues.
IV) Antique Wood Picture Frames
1. Wood Swing Frame
Era: 1930s
Material: Wood
Size: 5×7”
Color: Brown
Price: $34
Another swinging frame, this one features a classy diamond pattern in wood. It has a few scrapes to the finish and no glass, but is otherwise in sound condition.
2. 1970s Ornate Frame
Era: 1970s
Material: Wood
Size: 8×10”
Color: Brown
Price: $20
This frame shows a bit of wear and patina for its age, it has been well-loved. There is no glass or backing with it, which will either require singular display or finishing framing.
3. Wood Picture Frame
Era: Pre-2000
Material: Wood
Size: 8×10”
Color: Brown
Price: $14.99
This seller specializes in customizing old frames to fit your needs, including options for backing and glass at no additional cost. The frames used are in excellent, possibly mint, condition and ready for whatever your need is!
4. Wood Frame Collection
Era: Variety
Material: Woods & metals
Size: Variety, from 5×7” to 2×2.5”
Color: Variety
Price: $22-13
A lovely collection of antique frames, in various sizes. There are also various woods and finishes included, as well as a few oval pieces. All of the frames include glass and are ready to use!
V) Large Vintage Picture Frames
1. Cupid Asleep in Carved Wood
Era: 1940s
Material: Wood, glass, & print
Size: 11×13” overall, 10×12” picture
Color: Brown
Price: $28
This frame from the 1940s comes with an 1897 print of Cupid Asleep. The print has come loose and requires remounting, but the carved wood frame is in excellent condition with both glass and backing intact.
2. Cupid Awake in Carved Wood
Era: 1940s
Material: Wood, glass, & print
Size: 12×14” overall, 10×12” picture
Color: Brown
Price: $28
This is the twin of the previous listing, an 1897 print of Cupid Awake in a 1940s frame. The print is still mounted for this one and the frame, backing, and glass are all in good condition.
3. Oversized Gilded Frame
Era: Likely 1980s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 12.5×14.5”, holds 8×10” artwork
Color: Gold
Price: $40
A gilded frame to highlight a 8×10 piece of art, this piece is quite ornate. The frame does not come with backing or glass, although it does include hanging hardware.
4. Silver Filagree Frame
Era: Unknown
Material: Wood & silver
Size: 9×7”
Color: Silver
Price: $9
This silver-colored frame is in good condition, there is no glass and only a cardboard backing but the frame itself doesn’t show any major dings or dents! It has beautiful early 20th-century styling.
VI) 1910/20s Picture Frames
1. Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Double Frame
Era: 1910s
Material: Sterling silver, enamel, & wood
Size: 3”x4.5” (altogether)
Color: Silver
Price: $395
A stunning representation of Art Nouveau styling from the early 20th century. The frame is in good condition, as it is primarily silver there are a few dents and some tarnishing, but it is overall amazing.
2. Two Handmade Wooden Frames
Era: 1920s
Material: Wood & gold
Size: 9”x11”
Color: Brown
Price: $249
A set of two frames from the Netherlands, with portraits included. Both frames feature a gold-plated section. They show their age, but are in good condition, nonetheless.
3. Wood & Plaster
Era: 1920s-30s
Material: Wood, plaster, & glass
Size: 7.5×6” picture
Color: Brown
Price: $22
Plaster-covered wood gives this frame an unusual texture appeal, it’s even odd per it’s time. At nearly a century old, it shows a bit more wear and tear but overall is in excellent condition. The frame comes with its original glass and tabletop backing.
VII) 1930s Picture Frames
1. Embossed Gold
Era: 1930s-40s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 4 3/8×3 3/8” overall, 4×3” picture
Color: Gold
Price: $28
A beautifully detailed embossed frame in excellent condition, this is a steal of a piece! It features the original glass & backing and can be used for either easel or wall display.
2. OrnaWood Brand
Era: 1930s
Material: Composition & glass
Size: 5×7”
Color: Brown
Price: $32
OrnaWood is one of very few identified brands in this article—and it’s only noted because the original sticker is still intact! This frame is an early plastic composition in good condition, with glass intact & the original easel-stand backing.
3. Silver-tone Swing Frame
Era: 1930s
Material: Metal
Size: 5×7”
Color: Silver
Price: $20
This is a great unique-looking piece to add to your collection. A solid tabletop base-and-arms supports a free-swinging picture frame. It is timeworn but well-built and in good condition, there is no glass.
4. Henry Schultheis Swivel Stand
Era: 1930s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 13×9”
Color: Brown
Price: $30
This is similar to the previous listing, but it swivels at the top and bottom to display two different pieces of artwork. The frame is carved wood, while the pedestal has a washed gold finish. The stand is in grand condition. The artwork featured in the picture is included as well.
5. Celluloid Tabletop Frame
Era: 1930s
Material: Celluloid plastic, cardboard, & silk
Size: 4×3.25”
Color: Ivory
Price: $23
A darling miniature frame featuring Johnny Jump Ups in the design, a type of pale purple flower. Some of the silk is worn but the piece as a whole is in great condition.
6. Tin Round
Era: 1930s
Material: Tin
Size: 11×11”
Color: Silver & gold
Price: $30
Picture frames made on tin aren’t really in production anymore, so this is an excellent unique piece for any collection. The glass and backing are included but the hanging hardware has been lost, so it will need a new hook or wire.
VIII) 1940s Picture Frames
1. Golden Rim
Era: 1940s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 10 5/8”x13 5/8” (almost 11×14”)
Color: Gold
Price: $48-88
A beautiful, rimmed frame in a vintage golden hue, this piece is in good condition. It comes with glass of your choice, backing, and hanging hardware included, along with the possibility of adding a mat if you want one.
2. Reverse-Painted Glass
Era: 1940s
Material: Glass & metal
Size: 2×3”
Color: Cream
Price: $30
This is an interesting piece: the frame is fully glass with the exterior border reverse-painted a cream color with leaves. The glass is capped at the corners with metal. The original backing is included, but the easel stand is not actually strong enough to support the frame anymore.
3. Three-Picture Fan Easel
Era: 1940s
Material: Cast metal
Size: 17×10.25”
Color: Gold
Price: $50
This is a very unique frame in the shape of a lady’s fan. It has spots for three oval images to be inserted. It is in excellent condition with no apparent damage to frame or glass. The easel back is intact as well.
4. Floral Enamel
Era: 1940s
Material: Glass & enamel
Size: 8.25×6.5”
Color: Yellow
Price: $35
A nice vintage yellow sheen is highlighted by enamel flowers and rimmed with a deep gold. The piece is in good condition, it does seem to have some sort of tape residue on it so maybe a good cleaning.
5. Artistic Wooden Frame
Era: 1940s
Material: Wood & glass
Size: 9×11”
Color: Brown & red
Price: $53
This is a highly detailed wooden frame, inset with various pieces of wood to create a geometrical design. The picture (of a Ukrainian groom & co.) is included. The glass and easel back are accounted for as well.
IX) 1950s Picture Frames
1. Hollywood Regency
Era: 1950s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 8×10”
Color: Golden
Price: $12
This Hollywood Regency frame is in excellent condition, with no notable chips or damage to the frame. The glass and backing are both intact as well.
2. Carved Walnut
Era: 1950s
Material: Walnut wood
Size: 11×14”
Color: Brown
Price: $44-76
This is a lovely carved walnut frame, the shiny finish completements the deep color of the wood. There are minor scrapes in the surface, as to be expected with vintage pieces. You have a choice of glass styles for this frame, with backing and hanging hardware included as well.
3. White Oak
Era: 1950s
Material: White Oak
Size: 11×14”
Color: Blonde
Price: $44-88
This frame is deceptively simplistic compared to some of the other pieces on this list—but when you want a frame to highlight without overwhelming an art piece, this may be exactly the style you need. It has the quirks of passed time of course, but overall, it is a well-made frame. It comes with backing & hanging hardware; the price range is based on what type of glass you choose. (Matting is an additional option through this seller.)
4. Bucklers Enameled Metal
Era: 1940s
Material: Metal, enamel, & glass
Size: 8.25×6.5”
Color: Yellow
Price: $24
This frame is deceptively simplistic compared to some of the other pieces on this list—but when you want a frame to highlight without overwhelming an art piece, this may be exactly the style you need. It has the quirks of passed time of course, but overall, it is a well-made frame. It comes with backing & hanging hardware; the price range is based on what type of glass you choose. (Matting is an additional option through this seller.)
5. Flowers under Convex Glass
Era: 1950s
Material: Brass, glass, & flowers
Size: 4.25×3.25”
Color: Black
Price: $24
This is a beautiful miniature art piece featuring a dried flower arrangement under the convex glass. The piece is solidly constructed and in good condition; it retains the original backing that allows for either easel or wall display.
X) 1970s Picture Frames
1. Whitewashed Metal Frame
Era: 1970s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 3×4.5”
Color: Cream
Price: $16
A charming small frame, this piece was intended to look vintage from the beginning, so any age-related dents or nicks can blend right into the styling. This frame is whitewashed with golden highlights.
2. Italian Cast Metal
Era: 1970s
Material: Metal & paper
Size: 3.5×5” overall, 2.25×3.25” picture
Color: Gold
Price: $30
A lovely cast metal piece produced in Italy with an intentionally antiqued finish. The frame is in good condition, no repairs or current damage. Glass and tabletop backing included.
Are Antique Picture Frames Valuable?
Frames themselves are not particularly valuable; there are high-end brand exceptions, but by and large an antique frame can be purchased by itself for around $20. The two factors that drive prices up are if the frame included artwork—like a few items on this list do—or if you order the frame with a modern higher-quality glass insert, as some items on this list offer. Antique frames are, however, often made of more sturdy materials than modern frames, so the longer lifespan is a worthwhile consideration.
Antique Picture Frame Styles
Antique frames have a wide range of styles and appearances—especially in the 1930s & 40s! But throughout the last century there are three consistent styles:
Ornate Gilt: These are the Victorian or Baroque style frames that can feature frilled edges, fancy patterning, and a lot of gilding—typically of the golden variety. These frames will usually be the widest and most expensive frames.
Thin Metallic: These frames have been around for quite a while but are especially trendy currently. They are typically the thinnest frames, but not necessarily the cheapest since they are generally full metal (ornate gilt styles can be wood or plastic based). There may be a simple embossed pattern on either the front or sides of these frames, but not always.
Carved Wood: This style can range from the same complicated patterning in Victorian styles or simple beaded edges. Oftentimes walnut or oak, but often they’re simply identified as wood by this point. This style can range from relatively thin to wide, with a price range that depends on the complexity of design. This style is where watching the joinery (see below) is especially critical.