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Antique Victorian Wedding Portrait Pair Carved Gold Gilt Frame Washington DC
ITEM OVERVIEW
* Vintage Victorian portrait pairing featuring an elegant bride in her wedding veil and a distinguished gentleman.
* Housed in a spectacular, authentic antique carved wood frame with a gold gilt finish.
* Features a unique display style where two oval portrait prints are individually mounted with intricate, die-cut "paper lace" borders (spandrels) directly onto a unified backing board.
* Reverse side retains its original, highly collectible vintage blue paper gallery label from the prestigious custom framer Charles B. Jarvis Fine Arts (1005 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C.).
* Dust cover paper bears a faint, hand-written pencil inscription reading "Mrs. Burt" and "Old Photo," offering a unique glimpse into its historic family provenance.
PRODUCTION ERA
* Estimated Frame Era: Circa 1890s – 1910s.
* Estimated Image Era: Mid-Victorian (likely 1860s to 1870s) based on the subject attire, hairstyles (the gentleman's distinct chin-curtain beard/mutton chops), and the use of ornamental paper lace borders. The original photographs were later custom-framed or re-framed together at the turn of the century by Jarvis Fine Arts.
COMPANY HISTORY
* Charles B. Jarvis Fine Arts was a high-end gallery and custom-framing establishment located along the historic commercial center of H Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C.
* During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this neighborhood served as the city's premier hub for art merchants, photo studios, and artisanal frame makers.
* Jarvis catered to affluent Washingtonians, framing everything from prominent historical portraits to fine art prints.
* Finding an intact, original blue Jarvis sticker on the backing enhances the collector value and grounds the historical authenticity of the piece to the Nation's Capital.
CONDITION REPORT
* Portrait Prints: Preserved beautifully behind glass with strong clarity and contrast. The paper lace borders show typical age-appropriate toning but remain completely intact.
* Antique Frame: Features an intricate, hand-carved leaf/geometric pattern with its original gold gilt finish showing wonderful antique patina and minor wear consistent with age.
* Backing Paper: The original brown paper dust cover is present with some expected tears, brittle edges, and chipping due to age. The important Charles B. Jarvis paper label is completely legible, though split across an old crease in the backing. The wire hanger is sturdy and ready for display.
