Sample Antique Appraisal: Tiffany Studios Picture Frame

An antique appraiser must protect the confidential nature of the appraiser-client relationship and operate in good faith with the client’s interests in mind. The following is a summary of a fair market value antique appraisal I conducted in June 2010 for a previous client. It is presented here with the client’s authorization. All personal information has been omitted per the client’s request.

“Property Description

One Tiffany Studios Pine Needle picture frame stamped and numbered, made of bronze and featuring Tiffany’s mottled caramel Favrile glass with an easel backing.

Markings

The property is marked below the easel “Tiffany Studios New York 948.” There are no other markings.

Measurements

The entire frame measures 7 inches high and 6.25 inches wide. The picture area measures 3.25 inches high and 2.25 inches wide.

Condition

Bronze parts have developed a mild patina common for pieces this age. A small bump is visible to the left of the picture area near the frame’s boarder. The bump measures roughly a quarter-inch wide. The back easel area shows mild scratches also common for pieces this age. The glass has three surface cracks clearly visible from behind and less so from the front. The surface cracks measure roughly 1 inch to 1.5 inches. The glass does not appear repaired or replaced.

Provenance

The piece dates from early part of the 20th century likely between 1905 and 1915. The owner obtained the frame in the mid-1980s at an estate sale in Oak Park, Illinois.

Conclusions and Valuations

In recent years, other Tiffany Pine Needle 948 frames and similarly sized, bronze Tiffany frames have sold between $700 and $1,200. It is my opinion this example would have a current fair market value between $750 and $850.

Historical Background

Louis Comfort Tiffany founded the Tiffany Glass Company (renamed Tiffany Studios in 1902) in 1885 in New York City. He trademarked his famed Favrile glass style in 1894 and later applied the term to all the studio’s glass, enamel and pottery works. Tiffany opened a foundry in 1897 to provide the company its bronze works. He was named the first design director for his father’s jewelry company, Tiffany & Co, in 1902.

Though known for its lamps and glass works, Tiffany Studios also produced thousands of desk sets that included small picture frames, ink wells, letter holders and other items. Common set designs included Pine Needle, Zodiac, Venetian and American Indian.  His desk sets remained popular until the late 1930s when they fell out of favor and many were even scrapped during World War II. A resurgence in collector interest began in the 1960s and continues to this day. In recent years, even partial Tiffany Studios desk sets have sold between $1,000 and $7,000.”