1920s Embossed Leatherette Graduation Portrait Frame 1924 Photo

This 1920s embossed leatherette portrait frame holds the original 1924 graduation photograph identified by the family's handwritten note as Nina Priest McClintock's Bowen High School graduation picture.

The dark brown frame has a richly embossed Gothic and heraldic design with shields, eagles, floral motifs, and raised decorative borders. It works especially well for someone who appreciates early twentieth century portrait photography and display pieces that still carry part of their family history.

Details

• Item: Framed original graduation portrait with family identification note
• Item Type: Easel back and wall hanging portrait frame
• Era: Circa 1920s. The accompanying family note dates the photograph to 1924.
• Materials: Embossed leatherette over a rigid board base, glass, paper photograph, and metal hanging hardware
• Color: Dark brown with aged bronze and gold tone highlights
• Maker and Mark: No visible maker's mark
• Pattern or Model: No confirmed pattern or model. Embossed design includes heraldic shields, eagles, floral motifs, and geometric ornament.
• Style: Gothic and Arts and Crafts influenced early twentieth century portrait frame
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 1/2 inches by 8 inches. Actual product weight is 1 pound 3 ounces.
• Special Features: Original photograph remains in the frame. The family's handwritten identification note is included. Rear hanging hardware remains present. Built in easel back is damaged.

Condition Grade: Fair

Positives

• Graded Fair: The frame, glass, photograph, decorative front, and wall hanging hardware remain together, but the damaged easel limits tabletop display.
• The elaborate embossed design remains clear, with the shields, eagles, flowers, and borders still easy to see.
• The original portrait remains inside the frame rather than having been separated from it.
• The handwritten family note identifying the photograph and its 1924 graduation connection has been kept with the piece.
• The wall hanging hardware is still present on the back.

Issues / Wear

• The built in easel support on the back is broken and is not dependable for freestanding display. The frame can still be hung on a wall, or the easel could be repaired.
• There is visible surface wear, rubbing, and finish loss on the raised decoration and around the edges of the frame.
• A small area of the leatherette surface near the inner right edge shows noticeable loss and lifting.
• The glass and photograph show age related surface dust, spotting, and haze visible in the photos.
• The rear covering shows age, discoloration, rubbing, and wear around the easel and edges.

This 1920s embossed leatherette frame still holds the original 1924 Bowen High School graduation portrait and the family's handwritten note. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.