NOTE THE RABBET, OR RECESSED AREA  AROUND THE 8" X 12" OPENING IS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRAME AND NOT ON THE REVERSE (INSIDE). THIS WOULD FACILITATE SOMETHING BEING INSERTED DIRECTLY INTO THE FRONT OF THE FRAME. (POSSIBLY THEATRE OR OPERA HOUSE DECORATIVE FRAMES WHICH HIGHLIGHTED CHANGING PERFORMANCES ?) THE RABBET MEASURES APPROX. 3/16" DEEP. 

NOT CERTAIN WHAT THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THESE VERY ORNAMENTAL PIECES WAS, BUT THEY DO MAKE A BOLD AND STYLISH STATEMENT AS DECORATIVE WALL ART TO FRAME EITHER FINE ART, OR TO SHOWCASE ANY OTHER OBJECT OF VIRTU. BOTH FRAMES ARE IDENTICAL AND EACH WEIGH ABOUT 4 1/2 LBS.

PHOTOS 3 AND 4 SHOW THE REVERSE OF THESE FRAMES.

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PHOTOS NEEDED JUST ASK.