eBay and Craigslist finds

Being aware of puppy killing sentimentalities (though not fully understanding the metaphor) is there a way of re colouring/painting a frame in a semi permanent way without destroying the historically important original.

it doesn't destroy it, it just hides the provenance. i suggest you take pictures of the frame, then if you want to get it properly, i.e. expensively enamelled in the original scheme, you still can.