What do you call this type of corner - and what is missing in the holes!

[OldSchool]

I’m going to repurpose this frame, but want to complete the missing bits.

I’m not sure what to call the corners as I search. Ousted corner isn’t getting many results. I’ve seen one custom framer call them florentine frames but I think that was their shop specific name. I’ve also seen crowned corner or key corner, but I have the suspicion that there is a more common name for the corner that will help my search for what the missing corner ornaments should be replaced with.

Which leads to my next question- what should I stick in those 4 holes?! I was thinking that a little brass rosette would suit - and perhaps they were once removed for polishing and not replaced?

The darker wood finials also bug me a bit. Perhaps the original frame color has bleached over time?

What do you think about gilding the finials and adding brass rosettes to make a more cohesive frame?

Another option would be to oil (or stain and oil) the frame to bring the finial and frame color closer together.

Such a quirky piece. I’ll post some photos of the back once it arrives. Hopefully today!

[vintage frames]

That's what we, in this country, call a Kent frame. It is named after the artist/architect William Kent.
The style is based on a Palladian architectural device where the corners are described as being 'offset'.
Your frame would be known as a looking-glass architrave frame with offset corners and pediments.

The holes in the four corners would have held some small rosettes. You can buy replacements for these from a company in the UK called Decowood.
You then have the option to either gild/stain or paint them to suit.
I'd be inclined to stain them dark to reflect the two little finials.

This is a rather nice frame. I wouldn't be inclined to stain it, just clean it up with a dry cloth. The finials were carved from a darker timber perhaps.

[OldSchool]

Thank you so much for the information! Maybe I’ll ask my partner to turn a few little dark wood “buttons” to put in the holes. Maybe mahogany or walnut would work.

I discovered that on this side of the channel these corners are known as Flemish corners. Going to dive back into my research.

Thank you again!!!

[vintage frames]

Just so you know how much I can talk rubbish, the description of those corners is called 'outset', not offset as I said earlier.

[OldSchool]

Outset - I also read ousted the first time I saw the word . And still thank you for your valuable information!

I’m going to follow your suggestion - simple dark wood knobs to blend with the finials.

So a good find for €17,35 including shipping? Assuming it arrives.

[prospero]

I have see similar frames in books described as 'Aschkar' frames, with corners formed the same way. But that
might refer to a a specific design.

[vintage frames]

Aschkar ..
Of course, I had to Google it.
No reference anywhere.
I even tried ChatGpt - nothing.
What books do you read?

[prospero]

It's in a book called "The Complete Guide to Picture Framing" by Jenny Rodwell and George Short. Published by Macdonald & Co. 1986.
Interesting book but a bit 'Old School' now.

[Tudor Rose]

That's interesting that they gave it that name in their book and makes you wonder where they'd seen it in that connection - as you say it may have been a particular design that had been given that name. Like Vintage, we'd only ever previously seen that style referred to as Kent frames.