On May 17, 2001, Balfour & Wessels Framefinders Inc., brokers of antique frames, held the first antique “frame-only” auction in New York City. There were 170 American and European frames, 134 of which were sold. Total sales were approximately $230,000. 

“As a groundbreaking event in the antique frame world, the first frame-only auction was highly successful,” says Edward Charles Balfour, CEO of Balfour & Wessels. 

Auction results show that American frames were strong sellers, especially those from the 19th Century. A Stanford White frame fetched the highest bid, selling for $27,600 (rabbet size: 18” x 22”, width: 8”). This is the highest price ever paid at an auction for an American frame, according to Balfour.

The second highest selling frame also dated from the 19th Century. The 1850s Hudson River School frame sold for $12,650 (rabbet size: 30” x 50”, width: 7”). 

Arts & Crafts frames and other 20th Century American frames were strong sellers as well. For example, a hand-carved and gilded Charles Prendergast sold for $8,050 (rabbet size: 33 ½” x 43”, width: 3”). However, American frames weren’t the only high sellers. An 18th Century French frame was purchased for $8,050 (rabbet size: 41” x 57”, width: 6 ½”). 

Balfour & Wessels is planning its next auction for this fall with dates to be announced. The company runs a gallery in New York City and also has a website featuring an inventory of consigned frames. For more information about the upcoming auction, visit www.framefinders.com or call the gallery at 212-396-3896.