This vintage AFP Chicago 8 x 10 gold-tone metal photo frame has a narrow beaded border, clear glass, its original paper insert, and an easel back for tabletop display.
I like this one because it still looks much as it would have on the store shelf. The original red and cream AFP Chicago insert remains behind the glass, and the small Kmart $1.17 price sticker is still attached.
The slim gold-tone profile works well with family photographs, wedding portraits, or a collected group of older frames without taking up much visual space.
Details
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Item: Vintage photo frame
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Item Type: 8 x 10 tabletop picture frame
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Era: Late 1970s to early 1980s, approximate. Original sticker is marked 7 80, but the meaning of that code is not confirmed
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Materials: Gold-tone metal frame, glass, paperboard backing
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Color: Gold tone with dark backing
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Maker and Mark: AFP Chicago, Illinois, printed on the original insert
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Pattern or Model: Special Photo Frame, as printed on the insert
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Style: Slim traditional frame with ornate beaded outer edge
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Dimensions: Holds an 8 x 10 inch photograph. Overall exterior dimensions not confirmed from photos
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Special Features: Original AFP insert, original Kmart $1.17 price sticker, folding easel stand
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives
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Graded Very Good: The frame is complete, clean looking, and shows only light signs of age and storage.
- The easel stand is stiff and feels unused, according to the provided notes.
- The original AFP paper insert and Kmart price sticker remain in place.
- The glass appears intact, and the beaded border remains crisp and complete in the photographed areas.
Issues / Wear
- There is light age related surface wear and minor variation to the gold-tone finish along the edges.
- The backing shows light storage dust and surface rubbing.
- The original paper insert has mild age toning and small surface marks.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
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Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
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Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
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Fair: Shows significant wear. Usable but clearly used.
4 Collector's Notes
- Frames like this were practical department store home accessories, made to dress up family photographs without the weight of a heavy wood frame.
- This one suits someone building a vintage gallery wall, framing an older portrait, or collecting everyday department store pieces from around 1980.
- The original AFP Chicago insert and surviving Kmart price sticker give this exact frame more period character than an otherwise similar empty frame.
- It has the clean, narrow profile that lets the photograph stay more important than the frame around it.
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note:
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
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