While the world was being torn-apart by The Great War, it was also getting smaller. “Orientalism”—and a fascination with the East—had been the rage in Western Europe for the past several decades. And now, thanks to modern transport, increased trade, and a growing upper middle class, some people were able to indulge their fantasy of […]
Finding small, antique photo frames is hard enough (not to mention costly). So it is with excitement that I came across this large picture frame on my last trip to England. It is commodious enough to hold one of today’s popular-sized photos and is sizable enough to make a classy statement. Please click on the […]
The teens in England were not all doom and gloom. People met, they engaged, they fell in love—as they always have and always will. Photos were taken and photo frames were needed to preserve and display them. The frame above—part of our new collection of antique frames—would have been used to house a treasured photo […]
2014 marks the Centenary of the start of World War I. Four years from today, we’ll mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. “The Great War”, as it was called, introduced unprecedented horror and massive casualties—due, in part, to the use of new technology to maim and kill the enemy. Very few families escaped the […]
Let’s close-out with another look at our NYC-made frames—this time in their original pewter finish. Pewter—an alloy of tin, copper, antimony and (in this case) a touch of silver—is cast in a foundry in Queens, New York. Burrs and other irregularities are then hand-chased (cleaned-off) before the frames are polished and mounted with glass and […]
The frames above are another part of our extensive collection of photo frames. Made in Europe, the frames are first constructed in wood, coated with gesso, then incised with various decorative elements if applicable to that design. Next, the frames are water gilded with 24 karat gold leaf—paper thin sheets of pure gold. Finally, certain […]
In the ancient sand-cast method, an object to be duplicated is pushed-down into a tray of sand, leaving a crude (but serviceable) mold for casting. Then, molten metal—be it bronze, iron or brass—is poured into the impression which, when it cools, is removed, cleaned-up, and polished. Mankind has been using this technique at least since […]
Photo frames are a significant part of our “Handsome Gifts” business, especially when new babies or the newly-married are involved. The photo above shows some of our new styles, recently-received in store. These frames—made right here in New York City!—are cast in pewter, hand-chased (cleaned-up), and then plated in 22 karat gold. They come in […]
Hinamatsuri, or Girl’s Day, is celebrated in Japan every 3rd of March. Starting in February, collections of elaborately dressed dolls—representing the Emperor, Empress, and their court—are arranged on tiered, red-carpeted platforms. Special versions of popular foods are consumed, including sushi, sake, and arare crackers. Also popular is a clear, salty broth made with whole clam shells. […]
What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Alligators usually live in freshwater, have heavy, blunt snouts, and live up to 50 years of age. Crocodiles live in salty (or brackish) water, have longer, pointed snouts, and have been known to live 100 years. Their tanned skins, used in handbags, shoes, or photo […]
In the Hawaiian Islands, one finds an exotic and precious hardwood called Koa. In the time of the Ali’i (the Chief), Koa was plentiful—large trunks were hollowed-out for canoes, others were planed into surfboards, and smaller pieces were hand-fashioned into bowls, ukuleles, furniture, even flooring. Today the wood is protected; one must have a permit […]
We welcome September and its birth flower, the Morning Glory. With its cordate (heart-shaped) leaves and climbing vines, the Morning Glory comes in many colors—usually blues and purples but sometimes in reds or oranges (like those which decorate the hand-painted English Arts & Crafts frame, above).
On this day in 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers were shot down and killed while flying over Syria, the largest number of Canadian peacekeepers killed while doing their important work. Since then, 9 August has been designated “Peacekeepers’ Day” in Canada, usually observed on the closest Sunday to this date. In an earlier time, a WWI […]
