Antique Hammered Silver- Photograph Frame – Reversible
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Birmingham, antique silver 1910 Birmingham early 20th century G&C George and Charles picture frame - unusual. Can be stood portrait or landscape. Some age related wear which only adds to the look
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This is a really handsome Arts & Crafts–influenced hammered silver- photograph frame, full of quiet character and honest age. The softly undulating, hand-worked surface gives it that tactile, almost organic feel that collectors love, while the clean rectangular form keeps it timeless and versatile.
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The frame is reversible, allowing it to be displayed either portrait or landscape, and it stands well thanks to its sturdy easel back. Inside remains the original backing paper stamped “Hall Marked Silver – Reversible Back”, a lovely survival that adds confidence and period charm.
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Hallmarks & Maker
The marks visible include:
G & C Co Ltd – George & Charles Ltd
Anchor – Birmingham assay symbol
Lion passant – silver standard mark (on silver plate this denotes compliance with British standards)
Date numeral – consistent with early 1900s production
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George & Charles Ltd were a well-established Birmingham firm, active from the late 19th into the early 20th century. They specialised in high-quality silver and silver-plated wares, including dressing-table items, frames, and decorative domestic pieces, many reflecting the restrained craftsmanship of the Arts & Crafts movement rather than heavy Victorian ornament.
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Condition
Good antique condition overall.
There is gentle surface wear, light rubbing, and soft toning to the silver plate, all entirely in keeping with age and adding to its character. The backing paper shows age-related wear but remains intact and legible.
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Why we love it
Beautiful hammered silver- finish
Classic Arts & Crafts aesthetic
Fully reversible display
Honest patina with no over-polishing
A perfect frame for a treasured photograph, miniature artwork, or even pressed botanicals
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A tasteful, well-made antique frame with genuine pedigree—ideal for collectors of silver, Arts & Crafts interiors, or anyone who appreciates understated craftsmanship with history
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G & C Ltd – Birmingham Silver Makers
G & C Ltd stands for George & Charles Ltd, a Birmingham-based firm active in the early to mid-20th century.
They should not be confused with G & S Co (George & Samuel Cutler) — the initials are frustratingly similar, but they are separate firms.
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Who were George & Charles Ltd?
Location: Birmingham, England
Period of activity: c. 1900–1940s
Specialism:
Silver-plated domestic wares
Photograph frames
Dressing-table items
Small decorative household silver
They were solid commercial manufacturers, producing well-made, stylish silver plate rather than luxury sterling. Their designs often lean toward Edwardian and early Art Deco tastes — clean lines, restrained decoration, and practical elegance.
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Typical Hallmarks & Marks
You’ll most often see:
G & C Ltd in a rectangular punch
Pseudo hallmarks (decorative symbols rather than full sterling assay marks)
Occasionally an anchor motif referencing Birmingham, though this does not indicate sterling silver unless accompanied by full assay marks
Most pieces are silver plate, not solid silver as this one clearly is hallmarked— entirely normal for frames and domestic wares of this type.
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Collectability & Value
While not rare, G & C Ltd pieces are very collectible, especially:
Hammered or Arts & Crafts–influenced designs
Reversible photo frames
Items retaining original backs or liners
> “Marked G & C Ltd, a Birmingham silver- manufacturer active in the early 20th century, known for producing well-crafted domestic silver wares in Edwardian and early Art Deco styles.”
