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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: joemg311 on June 20, 2014, 11:16:31 AM

Title: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: joemg311 on June 20, 2014, 11:16:31 AM
Bought it with a mirror in it, looks like a picture frame to me though. Any idea how old this might be, and what metal made of? A magnet sticks to it, but there are some spots turning green. There is a very faint stamping on the back that I have trouble seeing with a magnifying glass but it looks like N S B & something. Perhaps N S D & .... the s and the and symbol are very faint and I could be way off on those. Thanks for your input guys and gals!
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: joemg311 on June 20, 2014, 11:20:55 AM
on further inspection with a flashlight it looks like the stamping says N.B & I.M. 
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: joemg311 on June 20, 2014, 11:23:24 AM
and it must be N B & I W for National Brass & Iron Works Reading, PA (1891 – 1911).  :D
its amazing how posting can get my mind turning to answer my own questions.
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: mart on June 20, 2014, 08:13:52 PM
LOL !!  No problem with that !!  Except that you may not need us anymore !!  There is no difference in picture/mirror frames !! Its up to the person that buys it how it is used !!  May be made slightly different but still can be for either one !!
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: KC on June 20, 2014, 08:40:52 PM
LOL Joemg311, the more you wander around in the vintage/antique world the more you will find yourself sleuthing! 

These items aren't in high demand and the market is a little soft right now.

You got the manufacturer right.  These were for the vanity.  They are still collectible, just don't demand a high price.

You will see these listed for $100+ on ebay and other places....but they aren't selling.  The market is showing around $50 - $80 on good days.  If you can hold on to it...please do.  It will hopefully go up with time.
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: joemg311 on June 23, 2014, 04:34:02 PM
Thanks guys. I don't think I did too bad with it. Paid $35 for it in a church rummage sale, silent auction or buy it now for $35 and I decided to snatch it up early. As long as I didn't pay too much for it my wife will continue to allow my fascination with buying and sometimes selling cool old stiff  ::)
Title: Re: Is this an antique picture frame? Victorian?
Post by: mart on June 25, 2014, 09:01:48 AM
You got a good deal !! Lets hope you stay out of the dog house !!