Gilt Frames for Tavernier paintings

Overall view of smaller frame
Measuring approximately, overall: 291/8" x 451/8" x 2"
sight edge: 201/2" x 361/2"

Condition:
Frame in fair condition, acceptable. Miters appear to be tight. Gilding appears to have been done with imitation gold leaf (a brass alloy) with some areas with little to no leaf remaining and the red bole layer prominently showing through. The frame was likely intentionally distressed to simulate age. The entire finished side has been sealed with B-72 acrylic resin (by Mr. Pace). There are a number of chips in the finish with under laying gesso layer exposed. The broad flat outer dark portion of the frame is in a generally acceptable condition.

Some areas that were likely originally leafed, but are now only red, could use the addition of more leaf to harmonize the frame's general appearance. The majority of the areas that would benefit from re-gilding are on the top-most "rope" or bead course of the frame as shown between the green arrows below. Imitation gold leaf tarnishes and will disappear entirely, over time. The acrylic resin applied by Mr. Pace should slow the deterioration down.

One corner section showing an acceptable degree of leaf on the horizontal leg and less acceptable level on the vertical leg.

Detail below of a section of the bead course where gilding is mostly absent.

Roughly half of the frame is as above, i.e. void of gilding on the top portions.

Below, detail of chipped areas and crack at mortise with exposed gesso.

Recommendations: The frame is acceptable as is, but does suffer from a somewhat uneven appearance.

In order to unify and lessen discrepancies in appearance, gold leaf and inpaint areas of frame where red predominates and tone/distress to match existing finish. Inpaint areas of loss (chipped/cracked areas). Seal all in B-72 acrylic resin.
Although the original leaf material appears to be imitation gold leaf, genuine 23 kt gold leaf would be used in the repaired areas.