A plain Art Deco period sterling silver photograph frame of unusual proportions by William Neale & Sons, Birmingham 1923. Broad rectangular silver frame enclosing the glass cover. Solid wood easel-type backing and hinged support leg. Photograph back secured by brass corner and swivel tabs. Hallmarked for the Birmingham Assay Office 1923 and for silversmiths William Neale & Sons. The frame measures 18 cm by 10 cm. Aperture measures 15.25 cm by 7.25 cm.
 
Established by William Neale in 1850, the firm was located in Birmingham’s up-and-coming jewellery quarter – which by the mid-19th century employed more tradesmen than any other trade in the city, providing half of the gold and silver jewellery sold in London. Likely a jobbing silversmith at first, William Neale eventually registered his own mark at the Birmingham assay office in April 1862 and at the Chester assay office in September 1882. From 1890 William brought his sons (William Neale junior & Arthur Neale) into the business and the firm was known as William Neale & Sons. Larger premises were required, and in 1896 the firm relocated to a purpose-built factory at 29 Warstone Lane - becoming a limited company (William Neale & Sons Ltd) in 1905. In 1910 the company moved to 34 Cox Street, St. Paul’s Square, Birmingham. In 1942 the firm was acquired by Suckling Ltd. William Neale & Sons was noted for producing small to medium sized items crafted from sterling silver, such as cigarette and vesta cases, vanities, dressing table accessories and cased vanity sets. They also produced ornate silver picture frames, condiment sets, and Art Nouveau pieces which included magnificent silver serving trays and nurses belt buckles.