I pretty much never come across such a wonderful, early frame as this, and as I don't currently have something quite worthy of it in hand, I'm offering it up to be used for the precisely perfect thing --which I'd say would be a Pennsylvania fraktur watercolor! I know from the seller it came from Berks County, PA, and based on a fair bit of comparison with early grain painted early PA frames out there, I believe it dates to the 1830s-40s. Beautifully aged, with a marvelous softness but also boldness to the paint, and the most wonderful presence. Original glass, perfectly fitting wood backing, and what I believe is the original hanging loop at top. Hand-forged iron nails at the corner and early nails holding the backing, too. Terrific.
12 3/8 x 8 1/8; opening 5 5/8 x 9 1/2. Very good antique condition, with what looks like a small, old loss along the top left corner edge, now smooth, and a bit of old splitting around a couple of the nails on the sides. Sturdy and sound and beautiful.
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