What's the purpose of this?

[RKV]

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum. I recently found a frame that had on its back these plates on the upper and lower sides. Do they have a purpose? Which time period were they used (19th or 20th century)? or is it a later restoration effort?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Roshan

[pramsay13]

Never seen them before.
Do they stick out slightly or have a lip on them so they can be used to hold a canvas in place?

[vintage frames]

My guess is that it's a jointing plate.
This is where a frame has been cut down to fit a smaller canvas. Instead of opening the corner mitres, which may have been carved, the framer has cut diagonally across the frame sides to make the frame smaller.
I'd expect to see the same on the bottom rail.
Perhaps you could post a photo of the entire frame, back and front?

[RKV]

Thanks for your responses! Here is the front and back of the frame!

[vintage frames]

Just as I thought. It's been shortened lengthwise and you can see that on the top rail with the slight misalignment on the inner sight edge and ornament.
The centre cartouches seem to have dropped out in sympathy.

Nice frame though and should come up well after restoration.

[RKV]

Thanks! Could you please also clarify if it’s a common practice to write on the inner side of the frame by a framer. If you did not already notice there is a name inscribed near the lower plate!
The frame held an oil painting on panel. Both the painting and the frame suffered losses during shipping. Can you suggest any restorers in Paris.
Also is there any way to date the frame?

[vintage frames]

The name "John Constable" is written on the inner back edge.
If this was indeed relating to the real John Constable, I would instead have expected to see a plaque on the front side of the frame.
It may have been a follower of Constable and the writing was added by the gallery which owned the framed artwork.
Or it could have been the framer - but then he would have simply added his signature.
So my bet is that it was the gallery owner.

I don't know the Paris art world but the best bet is to go to where the art galleries are most concentrated and look for the ones specializing in Old Masters paintings.
One of them would be able to advise you on the value of your frame and recommend a restorer who could help.

The frame is a 19th cent version of a Louis IV swept frame. The ornaments are cast composition and not carved.

But..
Whoever owned it and whatever it framed, it was considered important enough to cut down, repair and re-use.
Expect to pay at least £400 to £500 for restoration.

[RKV]

Thank you for so kindly sharing your expertise! It’s greatly appreciated!