Antique Chicago Portrait Co Convex Glass Bubble Frame Young Boy Portrait 24x16 For Sale

Antique Chicago Portrait Co Convex Glass Bubble Frame Young Boy Portrait 24x16

This vintage 1920s portrait features a hand colored enhanced photograph of a young boy wearing a newsboy cap and an oversized bow tie, leaning against a large tree trunk. The portrait is housed in its original arched top, convex bubble glass wood frame manufactured by the Chicago Portrait Company. The backing retains its original stamped markings, including the Chicago Portrait Co. logo, a patent pending notice, and the original price stamp of 7.90. The frame features ornate floral gesso detailing on the inner border with a multi tone gold and mauve finish. This unique piece displays an unusual, intense photographic style typical of early 20th-century enhanced portraits, giving it a striking and distinct visual presence.

Features

Manufacturer: Chicago Portrait Company (Chicago, Illinois)

Estimated Era: Mid 1920s (patent and style context)

Subject: Young boy in vintage attire (striped cap, large bow, knickers)

Frame Style: Arched top with original convex (bubble) glass

Materials: Wood frame, gesso molded floral accents, heavy cardboard backing, braided hanging rope

Markings: Original manufacturer stamps on the reverse, original price marking of 7.90

Dimensions: 24 inches tall by 16 inches wide (outer frame dimensions)

Condition Description

Frame Structure: The wooden frame shows significant age wear, including visible scuffs, scratches, and finish loss along the edges.

Gesso Damage: There is substantial damage to the molded floral decorative gesso overlays. A large section of gesso is completely missing on the bottom right corner, exposing the white base layer underneath, and there is another notable chip missing from the top center edge.

Backing and Hardware: The reverse cardboard backing is intact but shows significant tanning, surface scuffs, and minor tearing consistent with age. The original metal securing nails and hanging rope are present, though the rope shows fraying.

Glass and Portrait: The convex bubble glass is intact with no major cracks or deep scratches. The interior print shows mild fading and age related shifting in color tones, but remains clear.