Antique French Double Oval Frame with Original Script Inserts

A breathtaking 19th-century French double oval frame, exquisitely cast with ornate neoclassical details and crowned by a delicate ribbon-and-foliage crest. Inside each opening rests a preserved fragment of original French handwriting — soft ink, looping cursive, and beautifully aged paper that bring poetry and intimacy to the piece.

Double frames like this were often used in the late 1800s to display paired portraits, devotional cards, or sentimental keepsakes. This particular example showcases handwritten ephemera, giving it the feeling of a treasured study pulled from an old Parisian ledger or family archive. The gold-touched patina, intricate casting, and oval silhouettes make it a standout styling accent with incredible presence despite its petite size.

This piece is ideal for collectors who love layers of history, romance, and old-world charm.

Era

19th Century

Origin

France

Materials

Gilt metal

Glass fronts

Original handwritten French script inserts

Condition Notes

• Lovely patina to the gilt metal throughout

• Minor age wear to crests and edges

• Paper inserts show time-toning and natural foxing appropriate for antique script

Overall beautifully preserved and full of character.

How to Style

• Display on a stack of antique books for instant charm

• Add to a writing desk or vanity for a soft, romantic moment

• Style within a bookshelf vignette surrounded by brass, florals, or portrait miniatures

• Pair with other handwritten ephemera for a layered, collected look