Featured Need help with origin and age of this antique frame

Good morning everyone. I bought this small painting at an estate sale. The frame is pretty unique and pretty. It has feathers in relief all the way around it. It is 15 x 17 and has a worn gold finish on the front. I don't buy many frames but couldn't pass this up. Are these feathers carved or molded on there. I think it is hollow behind the feathers. Just wondering the process something like this was made and how old it might be.
As always thanks for the help.

 

Not carved. Likely a type of Gesso (Plaster) veneer over a wood base.

 

Thanks for response...It doesn't feel like plaster at all and not delicate/fragile like plaster...does feel like wood...a thin wood design.

 

You are right! Much better description

 

Take a really close look at the top edge of the top of the frame. Get a magnifying glass, if you have one. You should see it's adhered to the wood at the edges in places. Irregular areas with a slightly lumpy appearance in places. Carving a frame like this would be painstakingly laborious. Meant for higher end pieces and people with a lot of expendable income back in the day.

Look up "Composition Frames"

Wait and see what others think.

 

I wouldn't expect that to be a carved frame. As above, gesso more likely.

Debora