Vintage Picture Frames

50 Vintage and Antique Picture Frames For Sale (By Size & Decade)

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!

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


1_PatternedOrnateFrame

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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Floral Gold

Era: 1980s
Material: Composition
Size: 8×10”
Color: Cream, Green, & Pink
Price: $23-47


Floral Gold
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.)

Buy this picture frame here.


5. Mid-Century Victorian

Era: Mid-20th-century
Material: Plastic
Size: 8×10”
Color: Bronze
Price: $26


Mid-Century Victorian
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


II) 11×14 Vintage Picture Frames

1. Thin Gold Frame

Era: 1960s
Material: Metal
Size: 11×14”
Color: Gold
Price: $35


Thin Gold Frame
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Antiqued Ornate Gold

Era: 1990s
Material: MDF Composition
Size: 11×14”
Color: Gold
Price: $48-95


Antiqued Ornate Gold
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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


Art Deco Metal
A ‘70s throwback to an earlier style, this piece is in great condition with the original backing and minimal signs of wear.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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!

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Printed Plexiglass

Era: 1990s
Material: Plexiglass
Size: 4×6”
Color: Cream & blue
Price: $26


Printed Plexiglass
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!

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


7. Ornate Gold & Rhinestones

Era: 1990s
Material: Metal, rhinestones, & wood
Size: 4×6”
Color: Gold
Price: $16-21


Ornate Gold & Rhinestones
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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!

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Wood Frame Collection

Era: Variety
Material: Woods & metals
Size: Variety, from 5×7” to 2×2.5”
Color: Variety
Price: $22-13


Wood Frame Collection
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!

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


2. Cupid Awake in Carved Wood

Era: 1940s
Material: Wood, glass, & print
Size: 12×14” overall, 10×12” picture
Color: Brown
Price: $28


Cupid Awake in Carved Wood
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


3. Oversized Gilded Frame

Era: Likely 1980s
Material: Wood & metal
Size: 12.5×14.5”, holds 8×10” artwork
Color: Gold
Price: $40


Oversized Gilded Frame
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Silver Filagree Frame

Era: Unknown
Material: Wood & silver
Size: 9×7”
Color: Silver
Price: $9


Silver Filagree Frame
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


2. Two Handmade Wooden Frames

Era: 1920s
Material: Wood & gold
Size: 9”x11”
Color: Brown
Price: $249


Two Handmade Wooden Frames
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


3. Wood & Plaster

Era: 1920s-30s
Material: Wood, plaster, & glass
Size: 7.5×6” picture
Color: Brown
Price: $22


Wood & Plaster
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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


Embossed Gold
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


2. OrnaWood Brand

Era: 1930s
Material: Composition & glass
Size: 5×7”
Color: Brown
Price: $32


OrnaWood Brand
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


2. Reverse-Painted Glass

Era: 1940s
Material: Glass & metal
Size: 2×3”
Color: Cream
Price: $30


Reverse-Painted Glass
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Floral Enamel

Era: 1940s
Material: Glass & enamel
Size: 8.25×6.5”
Color: Yellow
Price: $35


Floral Enamel
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


IX) 1950s Picture Frames

1. Hollywood Regency

Era: 1950s
Material: Wood, metal, & glass
Size: 8×10”
Color: Golden
Price: $12


Hollywood Regency
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


2. Carved Walnut

Era: 1950s
Material: Walnut wood
Size: 11×14”
Color: Brown
Price: $44-76


Carved Walnut
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.)

Buy this picture frame here.


4. Bucklers Enameled Metal

Era: 1940s
Material: Metal, enamel, & glass
Size: 8.25×6.5”
Color: Yellow
Price: $24


Bucklers Enameled Metal
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.)

Buy this picture frame here.


5. Flowers under Convex Glass

Era: 1950s
Material: Brass, glass, & flowers
Size: 4.25×3.25”
Color: Black
Price: $24


Flowers under Convex Glass
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


X) 1970s Picture Frames

1. Whitewashed Metal Frame

Era: 1970s
Material: Metal & glass
Size: 3×4.5”
Color: Cream
Price: $16


Whitewashed Metal Frame
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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

Buy this picture frame here.


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.

 

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