Vintage Elias Artmetal Picture Frame 18 kt. Gold over Pewter Dated 1997

A fabulous picture frame by Elias Artmetal, this vintage easel-back frame is made of solid pewter overlaid with 18 karat gold. Founded by Constantine Elias and his wife/partner Ruth over 45 years ago, the handmade frames were always made in their US shop.

This frame was not made with the typical base metal with a faux gold finish. Elias used fine pewter and 18 karat gold, hand-finished after electroplating for a beautiful patina. The back is nylon velvet in their signature black green color and the swivel tabs are brass with a raised design on them. The intricate embossed design on the frame is wonderfully tactile and resists tarnishing with the high 75% gold content (we didn't have to do any polishing, just dusting).

On the narrow edge at the bottom of the frame, the following information is stamped into the gold:
USA © Elias 1997 Contains Silver & Elias Fine Pewter Good Forever 2275 {Elias style #}
We've included a photo of this information.

It appears that the frame has never been opened on the back; it's in like new condition. We didn't open the back, either; our IT guy, Wayne the co-owner of the shop, digitally inserted the pictures to show how the frame looks holding an art print and a personal photograph. The glass bears the golden Elias label.

The framed size is 9 1/2 inches by 9 1/2 inches and the image area 7 3/4 inches by 7 3/4 inches; the frame weighs 1 1/4 pounds. It's in excellent condition, standing steady on its easel and looking glamorous wherever it's placed.

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PYH 5584