Antique 1793 Sir Michael Foster Legal Engraving | Antique 1890s Ebonized & Gilt Frame

Presenting an exquisite late 18th-century framed engraving of Sir Michael Foster, Kt., a distinguished piece of British legal history officially published by T. Cadell of the Strand on July 1, 1793. Engraved by J. Neagle from an original painting by Wills, the portrait captures the eminent judge in his traditional judicial wig and robes, positioned elegantly above a finely detailed heraldic shield and banner. The engraving is handsomely housed in an antique ebonized wood frame featuring a striking, highly textured early brutalist style gilt inner border. Notably, the frame itself boasts its own rich history; the reverse bears the early trade label of "Geo Hughes, Carver, Gilder & Picture Frame Manufacturer" at 46 Pilgrim Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. This specific address dates the gallery's expert reframing of this piece precisely to the late Victorian era, between 1890 and 1899, just before Hughes expanded to a larger premises. The piece exhibits wonderful authentic age, with minor expected wear and small chips to the black finish of the frame that only enhance its historical character. Backed with a solid wood panel secured by old square brads and retaining its original twisted hanging wire, this handsome portrait is a superb, ready-to-hang find for collectors of antiquarian prints, 18th-century engravings, or legal memorabilia.

Measurements (approximate - rounded to the nearest quarter inch):
8.5 inches in width
11.5 inches in height
1 inch in depth

All sales are final so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions prior to purchase. Other objects found in the listing photos are for decorative use only and not included in this purchase.

VINTAGE & ANTIQUE
Vintage and antique items are pre-owned and aged goods. In most cases, we do not clean or polish any items that come into our shop. Once you remove an item's traces of age and patina it's not something you can reverse, so we leave those activities up to the buyer. We do not disassemble found art from their frames unless it is necessary to differentiate a print from an original piece of art. Vintage prints purchased from this shop could originate from any print media (e.g., magazines, books, photographs, art prints, etc.). We try our best to describe items accurately and disclose any and all flaws and imperfections. Please refer to pictures as a visual description. We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase so, please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have prior to checkout.

SHIPPING
As much as possible, we utilize recycled shipping boxes. The box you receive your item in may show signs of wear and pre-use.

PHOTOGRAPHY
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