Early American Framed Lithograph Portraits (The Moyer Gallery)

Good Day, was wondering if I could get an opinion as to the timeframe of my artworks I recently purchased at an estate sale. They were listed as "Early American Framed Lithograph Portraits", but nothing more as to who it was a likeness of or even the timeframe it was created. They look amazing and the dimensions are: 10.5W x 2D x 13H. On the back, the professional framing business is listed as, "The Moyer Gallery" in Hartford Conn, but when I tried to look them up I could find no business-related info and it appears the company may have closed after the owner died (I found his obituary), but from what I have found online, the gallery usually worked with high-end antiques and valuable artworks. ANY info anyone can throw my way would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

 

Late 1700s for the images by the looks of that fabulous collar and bonnet! Can't say on the actual prints though they have some crackle going which is interesting.

I would remove the paper dust cover and take them out to see if there's anything written on the back or mat-covered edges, and to better inspect them. They can be put back together with framer's points and new paper (if you want it... It's not critical to the piece).

 

Quick internet search. Moyer Gallery on Trumbull Street roughly 1920s-ish to 1960s-ish. The sticker look to be from the end of that period.

Debora

 

Wow! That's cool, Mirana! Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I would be WAYYYY to scared to start taking these apart! Would feel awful if I did damage to them, since they are pretty cool!

 

Thanks Debora. I think the gallery closed down when Mr. Moyer died in mid-1960s. I didn't find info on the shop, but found some beautiful artworks that they had framed in the past. Much appreciation!

 

The prints may not be that old. I can't tell from these pics (someone else may be able to). The people depicted are of that period, though.

You can have a framer do it if you're more comfortable with that. I just love solving a good mystery, and I used to be a framer, so disassembling them is my first move.

To give you an idea: The paper is stuck on with ATG tape. Inside the art is in a sandwich--glass/mat/art/backing-- held in by framers points, staples, or nails. Art is safe in the layers, so you can't hurt it while you take it apart. You use pliers to pull the points out and then can lift the whole sandwich out.

Once the art sandwich is free you can leave the glass on the table and gently go through the layers. Art can be mounted to the back of the mat, or to the backing. You shouldn't have to remove it to see the back and edges if it's mounted properly, as most of it is hang mounted on the top only or in photo corners you can slip it in and out of. Take pictures, clean glass, reassemble sandwich, drop into frame, and replace framer points using a flathead screwdriver.

Or take to a friendly framer.

 

According to the internet, the Moyer Gallery had moved to Simsbury, CT by 1970. Not that it matters. Just gives you a window when your pieces could have been purchased. Good suggestion above about opening them up. They could well be decorative.

Debora