Antique French Beveled Glass Easel Frame with Gilt Brass Rococo Crest and Original Card

A small French easel frame made from a thick slab of beveled glass, finished with a pierced rococo crest on top and a pair of scrolled gilt brass feet below. On the back, a brass easel folds out to stand it on a desk or dressing table, and a ring lets it hang instead.

It still holds its original maker's card, printed with a plumed crest and the words "Glace Biseaux Arrondis, 1er Choix, Haute-Nouveauté — Déposée." That roughly means rounded-bevel glass, top quality, the very latest thing. It was a confident claim at the time and, honestly, it holds up. Keep the card in place or slip in a photograph, a calling card, or a small print.

The brass has a warm, mellowed patina and the bevels still throw light at the edges. There is one small chip to the lower right corner of the glass, a souvenir of a long and useful life.

Details

• Origin: France
• Materials: beveled glass; gilt brass crest, feet, and easel back
• Dimensions: 6" × 3" overall; framed glass 4" × 2.75"
• Original maker's card included
• Condition: one small chip to the lower right corner of the glass; patina to the brass consistent with age. Please review all photos.