Don’t Overlook Picture Frames

This past week was a strange one for me. I was alone except my eldest daughter’s dog whom I was watching. Lola is a shy, gentle lady greatly attached to my daughter so for four days I stayed at home trying to give her lots of love and attention. And it was wonderful–not dealing with traffic and people and the normal bits of life. But by Saturday I had run out of milk and a few other staples and I figured Lola was comfortable enough for me to head out and run some errands.

My first stop was my neighborhood thrift store and I realized that it had been a week since I had been so I knew I would see some new stuff. And I am so glad I decided to go. Within a few minutes I spotted two prints, but it wasn’t the prints that excited me, but the frames. Holy smokes! These were rare birds-eye maple and when I flipped them over and it was obvious they were old. Antique old. Likely 19th century old.

I got super excited when I saw these and did a little happy dance. Antiques at a Goodwill–yes, please! They are not in perfect condition but what is after 100+ years? The slightly larger one has had some fairly ridiculous wood putty touchups along the sides but they are in places where you’d hardly see them when they hanging.

The prints are much newer with a regular dot matrix pattern so of no consequence, though they do suit the frames! I will be selling each frame for $148.

What I Look For

When I started my biz I never imagined I’d be selling picture frames, but they have done well for me. I chose a selection from my SOLD listings to share with you. These all represent typical frames I look for these days.

Old plaster frames with gilding

These frames have such a delightful old world look. I conservatively dated this one to the 1950s though I think it was likely older. (Paid $7.89 in 2024 at Goodwill)

Enameled and bejeweled frames

I’ve never been a fan of “fancy” frames, but this one was just gorgeous and I don’t use that word lightly. The enameling and crystals were fantastic. It was unsigned, but names like Jay Strongwater and Ciel Collectables do very well. (Paid $3.45 in 2019 at Goodwill.)

Older wood frames

Older wood frames tend to be heavier than newer ones and original glass may be wavy or have bubbles. The back boards are usually wood held in places with nails. This Victorian Eastlake-style frame with a newer mirror captured my attention right away. I was tempted to keep it! (Paid $16.69 in 2024 at Goodwill)

Micro mosaic frames

For the life of me I can’t remember where or when I got this or how much I paid, but folks love Italian micro mosaic items and the older and more elaborate frames are worth much more than this simple frame.

Persian inlaid frames

Persian inlaid frames are so exotic and lovely and this one was the largest I’ve ever seen. Perfect for those who love Boho decor. It has no great age, but I couldn’t leave it behind. (Paid $14.89 in 2023 at Goodwill.)

Vintage metal frames

My grandmother had these types of picture frames in her house and they are popular again as Granny-core decor. They are not wildly valuable but worth picking up if you can get them cheaply. (Paid $3.69 in 2024 at Goodwill.)

Sterling silver frames

Sterling frames are hard to find in the wild though I have found a couple. This art nouveau-style frame is one I purchased on eBay. (Paid $40 in 2021.)

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So I’m happy to have found two antique picture frames a few days ago and will certainly keep my eyes peeled for more.

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen