Thought it was junk, but has a beautiful design in it...

[Erik in NJ]

What Is It? (diameter is approx. 3")

 

[Justice70]

At first glance it looks like a frame of sorts.

 

[Tony in SC]

Pocket size pictures were popular in the late 1800's. Could a frame? Tony

 

[Monty]

I buy into the frame identification. Probably a round "cameo" type. Monty

 

[Erik in NJ]

Would there have been glass in front of the picture? Not sure how the pic (& glass) would be inserted and held in place. Any similar designs we can look at? Not sure if the metal is silver or aluminum - it's very, very thin. Would the lip have been smply bent down over the pic? Any idea on timeframe?? Thanks very much for the replies so far!!

 

[artyfacts]

You can see the pointed or scalloped tabs that bent and held the picture , glass and backing. Arty

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi Arty! It was pretty bent up on recovery - can you hi-lite the bent tabs and scallops you're talking about.......Thanks!!

You can see the pointed or scalloped tabs that bent and held the picture , glass and backing. Arty

 

[Justice70]

Here is one that appears to be the same shape

http://www.rubylane.com/item/135488-503bowframe5/Glorious-19th-Century-Ex78tended-Garland

 

[Justice70]

Would there have been glass in front of the picture? Not sure how the pic (& glass) would be inserted and held in place. Any similar designs we can look at? Not sure if the metal is silver or aluminum - it's very, very thin. Would the lip have been smply bent down over the pic? Any idea on timeframe?? Thanks very much for the replies so far!!

I think this is just a decorative sheath that would be fitted around something like a frame. From the picture it appears to be very pliable like tin. Not sturdy enough to be a picture frame in and of itself.