Antique frames are one of the most commonly overlooked yet highly valuable categories in the collecting world. Many people inherit or store old frames without realizing that certain examples—especially those with hand-carved details, real gold leaf, or early construction—can be worth far more than the artwork they contain.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 695 gives you a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for evaluating antique frames. Using simple visual techniques—no cleaning, no scraping, and no removing materials—you’ll learn the same observational methods used by professional frame appraisers.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify valuable materials such as real gold leaf, gesso, carved hardwood, and early varnishes
Distinguish hand-carved decoration from molded or machine-made ornament
Recognize early joinery methods including dovetails, corner splines, and hand-forged nails
Evaluate gilding types and understand what real gold leaf looks like under wear
Identify period styles including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco
Examine the back of a frame for maker marks, gallery labels, slat backing, and early hardware
Distinguish authentic age from modern reproductions and faux distressing
Evaluate condition factors such as cracks, losses, repairs, and structural issues
Understand what makes a frame high-value in today’s market
Use a complete non-destructive workflow to determine whether an appraisal is needed
Apply the full DJR non-destructive workflow for evaluating antique frames
Know when an item deserves professional appraisal or authentication
Whether you're browsing estate sales, sorting inherited artwork, exploring thrift stores, or evaluating frames removed from old paintings, this guide gives you the expert structure needed to identify antique frames worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
Antique frames are one of the most commonly overlooked yet highly valuable categories in the collecting world. Many people inherit or store old frames without realizing that certain examples—especially those with hand-carved details, real gold leaf, or early construction—can be worth far more than the artwork they contain.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 695 gives you a complete, beginner-friendly, non-destructive workflow for evaluating antique frames. Using simple visual techniques—no cleaning, no scraping, and no removing materials—you’ll learn the same observational methods used by professional frame appraisers.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify valuable materials such as real gold leaf, gesso, carved hardwood, and early varnishes
Distinguish hand-carved decoration from molded or machine-made ornament
Recognize early joinery methods including dovetails, corner splines, and hand-forged nails
Evaluate gilding types and understand what real gold leaf looks like under wear
Identify period styles including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco
Examine the back of a frame for maker marks, gallery labels, slat backing, and early hardware
Distinguish authentic age from modern reproductions and faux distressing
Evaluate condition factors such as cracks, losses, repairs, and structural issues
Understand what makes a frame high-value in today’s market
Use a complete non-destructive workflow to determine whether an appraisal is needed
Apply the full DJR non-destructive workflow for evaluating antique frames
Know when an item deserves professional appraisal or authentication
Whether you're browsing estate sales, sorting inherited artwork, exploring thrift stores, or evaluating frames removed from old paintings, this guide gives you the expert structure needed to identify antique frames worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
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