How do you value a picture frame?

[cs80]

I like buying frames from antique shops and thrift stores, but am only able to judge them based on my personal fancy.  Are there some tips or guidelines I should keep in mind to make my buying less haphazard?  I gravitate towards the large and highly decorated frames.    What for example marks a 19th century vs turn of century vs mid century vs modern frame construction?

Thanks for any advice.

[ghopper1924]

It's easy to overpay for frames,  so be careful. That being said,  as with most things,  the more ornate and highly worked the frame,  the higher the price.

[cs80]

Thanks ghopper.   Great quote in your signature btw.

[ghopper1924]

 

[Ipcress]

It's easy to overpay for frames,  so be careful. That being said,  as with most things,  the more ornate and highly worked the frame,  the higher the price.

Could quite easily show you many examples where that's not the case.

Frames should suit the paintings subject matter.

[Rauville]

Generally, the construction details and finish of the frame will help dictate quality and value. Here's an article that covers some of the major points.
http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Buying-amp-Selling-Antique-and-Old-Picture-Frames_W0QQugidZ10000000004245551

(BTW: Last night I watched the program featuring the art of Wayne White, and how he overpaints the big landscape prints found at thrift stores, with his "Word Paintings". Now, that's "re-purposing" taken to a new level.)  

[bigwull]

link is,nt working......

[mart]

Didn`t work for me either !!

[cs80]

Thanks for the ebay guide link.  Very informative, though none of the photos showed up for me, perhaps they were hosted too long ago.  I think I have identified the construction materials of some of my frames just from the descriptions though.

[fancypants]

There are several non-antique (less than 100 yrs. old) picture-frame makers/designers who frequently adhered a business/brand sticker to a 'finished' framing job , and many of the 1900-1950 items of this type can gather rather large bux from frame collectors .

One American company 'tag' to keep an open eye out for , for example , would be : "Frederick Loeser & Co. Inc ." , out of Brooklyn-New York , cs80 .

[cs80]

thanks for the tip fancy, just the kind of thing i'm looking for.

[mart]

And make sure that what you buy to resell is in really good condition !!  Chipped & peeling plaster however minor can cut the value down considerably

[Ipcress]

There are several non-antique (less than 100 yrs. old) picture-frame makers/designers who frequently adhered a business/brand sticker to a 'finished' framing job , and many of the 1900-1950 items of this type can gather rather large bux from frame collectors .

One American company 'tag' to keep an open eye out for , for example , would be : "Frederick Loeser & Co. Inc ." , out of Brooklyn-New York , cs80 .

J H Miller

One on here
http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.uk/2012_03_01_archive.html
And they can do $5,000 or more

Similar price for Charles E. Prendergast