Late Victorian to early Edwardian English frame, 14k gold & seed pearl monogram. Marketed via Regent Street seller, "Alex B Jones & Co, at 154 Regent St." (London) - a very elegant shopping street then and now. Lovely padded velvet body of frame (over wood) has a leather-covered back with easel, gold embossment, and holds the charming pencil and gouache portrait of a small child inside. The artwork is unsigned, but an original, not a print, and is done on heavy paper. One is inclined to think it a mourning portrait and frame due to the seed pearls worked into the R B B monogram (tested at 14k gold) which crowns the frame above the portrait's aperture. Protected under the original cover glass, it's in fine form and has definitely been a commissioned work as well as one well cherished. I found it in England decades ago.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. No loss to the old silk velvet nap at all, which is claret-wine colored. Yes, we did take off the monogram, suspecting such fine work would be gold. It is 14k gold and the seed pearls are very fine, indeed. The leather-covered backing attaches by means of 4 corner screws, all in place. I've shown a photo of the frame taken apart so you can see how it is hand-crafted, as well. Someone's treasure! Lovely art! Seems almost more like a jewelry item than a frame, doesn't it. Were one's monogram "R B B", it might be tempting to have that monogram hanging on a fine neck chain now and then, too. You decide.
