Figure 1.--Here we see a basic paper frame from Czrchoslovakia, now the Czech Republic. The frmes by the 1940s were generally more smple thazn in earlier decades. It was taken July 4, 1946. Put your cursor on the image for an enlargement.

Throughout the 1860s-90s CDVs and cabinent cards were the dominant format. We only note the paper fram used with tin-types. There seems to be a very destinctive shift made at the tutn of the 20th century, although this transition mzay have varied from country to country. After the turn of the 20th century, at least in America, cardboard mounts gave way to paper mounts of various designs. These were not the cheap paper frames used for tin-types, but rather often artistically done frames with heavy paper and embossing or fancy print. Often very large frames were used for rather small images, some times printed in cirles and ovals. Some paper frame had the photographer indicated, others were blank. The paper frames were less elaborate by the 1940s, but the images inside tended to be larger than earlier in the century. These paper frames largeky disappeared during the 1950s. Much of our assessment comes from the United States. We are not at all sure about styles and chonological trends in other countries. All of these different approaches and the styling associated with them can be used to help date photographs. This is, however, a vast topic which will take some time and effort to develop.

Style

we notice paper frames for photographic portraits in a wide variety of styles. The first one were very simple frames done more as holders for tin-type portrait in the 19th century. Theu might have coloed rules. Frames were not very common because most portraits were done as CDVs and cabinet cards. After the turn-of-the 20th century cabinet cards declined in popularity. We begin to see postcard back photograpgs, including some portraits. We also begin to see all kinds of paper frames, especially by the 1910s. We notice these frames done in different styles. We have just begun to develop information on the different styles. Some were very simple, often done with embossed rules simulating frames. Another popular style was a parchment effect with jagged edges. Art deco styling was also very popular. The frame type information is useful because it can help date the portraits.

Chronology

Throughout the 1860s-90s CDVs and cabinent cards were the dominant format. We only note the paper fram used with tin-types. There seems to be a very destinctive shift made at the tutn of the 20th century, although this transition mzay have varied from country to country. After the turn of the 20th century, at least in America, cardboard mounts gave way to paper mounts of various designs. These were not the cheap paper frames used for tin-types, but rather often artistically done frames with heavy paper and embossing or fancy print. Often very large frames were used for rather small images, some times printed in cirles and ovals. Some paper frame had the photographer indicated, others were blank. The paper frames were less elaborate by the 1940s, but the images inside tended to be larger than earlier in the century. These paper frames largeky disappeared during the 1950s. Much of our assessment comes from the United States. We are not at all sure about styles and chonological trends in other countries. All of these different approaches and the styling associated with them can be used to help date photographs. This is, however, a vast topic which will take some time and effort to develop.

Countries

Paper frames are an interesting subject. Some of the frames were decorated and understanding the chroinigiucalk trends can help update undated photograohs. We do nmot yet have much information on papr frames in Europe. We do have a page on American paper frames.

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Created: 4:43 AM 1/9/2007
Last updated: 2:16 AM 9/4/2021