Details
Description
This scarce Civil War-era cast-iron patriotic frame features a spread-wing American eagle, scrolling foliage, draped flags, and a Federal shield. …
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This scarce Civil War-era cast-iron patriotic frame features a spread-wing American eagle, scrolling foliage, draped flags, and a Federal shield. Although currently fitted with an oval mirror, the piece was originally designed as a two-opening photographic frame: the small upper aperture held a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, while the larger opening displayed a Union soldier or family member. Comparable examples are marked “Design Patented Nov. 25, 1862,” confirming that the visible date is 1862—not 1962.
Details
Brand/Artist/Country: American; maker not visibly identified due to oxidation; published examples associate the patented design with S. Sailor
Item Description: Civil War-era cast-iron double portrait frame later converted into a wall mirror
Design Details: Spread-wing Federal eagle above a small oval portrait aperture; large central oval opening; scrolling foliate ornament; draped American flags; lower Union shield; openwork cast construction; molded patent inscription on reverse
Patent Mark: “Design Patented Nov. 25, 1862,” partially obscured by heavy oxidation
Original Function: Two-opening patriotic photograph frame intended for a Lincoln portrait and a larger soldier portrait; the current mirror is a later replacement or adaptation.
Age Range: Circa 1862 through the late 1860s or 1870s; the patent date establishes the earliest possible production date, although the pattern may have remained in production afterward
Dimensions: Approximately 19.75 inches tall × 12 inches wide
Materials: Cast iron with later glass mirror and applied backing or adhesive
Color Palette: Dark brown, reddish rust, blackened iron, and reflective silver
Design Styles: Civil War Americana, Federal, American Neoclassical, patriotic, Victorian, military, and architectural
Display Use: Historical wall display, Civil War collection, Americana gallery wall, library, study, office, or period interior
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- Dimensions
- 12ʺW × 1ʺD × 19.75ʺH
- Period
- Mid 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Mirrored Glass
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Design Modified, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Condition Antique: More than 150 years old Used and substantially altered from its original configuration Extensive oxidation, surface rust, scaling, … moreCondition Antique: More than 150 years old Used and substantially altered from its original configuration Extensive oxidation, surface rust, scaling, pitting, discoloration, and finish loss throughout the cast-iron frame Original painted or gilt surface is largely absent Small eagle-side portrait aperture is empty and does not retain its original photograph, glass, or backing Large original portrait opening has been fitted with a later oval mirror Mirror appears irregularly cut and secured from the reverse with visible adhesive, filler, or repair material Mirror has surface specks, minor scratches, and age-related wear Reverse exhibits advanced corrosion and rough oxidized texture Later hanging hardware, wire, and screw are present Several thin openwork areas show corrosion and should be handled carefully; no major complete separation is visible in the photographs Patent inscription is difficult to read because of oxidation but appears consistent with known examples marked November 25, 1862 Sold as a decorative and historical object; restoration is recommended before intensive use Please review all photographs closely for the most accurate representation of condition less
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