Value in Picture Frames?

Hey guys and gals,

Some of you may recognize me from other posts as I am trying to sort through a lot of stuff and make sense of it. As ridiculous as it may sound I have a pretty large collection of picture frames. I know approximately zero about these things. I can take some pictures of said frames. A huge majority of them are made of wood and I would guess a lot of them are very old. There are all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Anyway, I was wondering before I start getting them out, I was hoping someone could tell me if there generally is any value in this type of thing?

 

There certainly can be. Because of all the variables involved such as age, size, condition, material, location...

I suggest you go to eBay, click on Advanced, enter "Antique Picture Frame", click on "Completed items" and then click on Search." Once the 10,000 listings come up, Sort by Price + Shipping: highest first. That will give you a good idea of where collector interest lies. (And please forgive me if you read the above and think to yourself "Duh.")

Debora

 

There is a good market for small, old, round easel back frames, such as these two I sold.

 

Brass frames sell also if priced right.

 

any value has to be weighed against shipping.... unless it's just local pick up.

shipping a larger frame is what's called ' shipping air '

 

What he said. The minute it takes a large box the shipping may be more than it's worth. I might lot them up and stick them on Marketplace for local pickup,or just donate the ones not worth a decent amount.

 

True antique frames can have tremendous value. Especially hand carved, gilt, etc. Nice vintage wood frames can be worth something if on trend. Modern frames generally need to be in perfect condition, on trend, and a standard size to make a little bit of money. A lot of newer frames are non standard sizes and dated looking and are going to make yard sale money unless you have the patience to sit them on fb for a bit, I would suspect.

 

That's true, but big gesso on wood frames are fragile and a stone witch to ship. They're best off sold locally for your own sanity. I have a cast iron one sitting here that I couldn't even give away, so YMMV on the antiques.

 

Ditto, all the above. I might mention that a lot of the ornate victorian frames don't have the value they once had. This is particularly true if there is any damage. Of course there are exceptions and 18th and early 19th century gilt frames do show demand. 19th century wood frames and quality 20th century frames are sought after. Look for names. Newcomb Macklin frames are highly coveted but there are others to look for as well.

 

Sterling ones of course are always good. If all else fails they can be scrapped.