Victorian Buckle Locket with Hand-Painted Portrait Miniature 18k c. 1860

THIS PIECE HAS BEEN SOLD.  

What a special, romantic piece this is!  This uniquely designed locket has a little latch at the front that opens like a secret door.  Inside you'll find the most exquisite hand-painted miniature of a beautiful woman in a green dress circa 1860.  And she's wearing jewelry!  She appears to have on either amber or gold earrings with a matching brooch at her collar.  She has a typical hairstyle of the period, with a middle part pulled back over her ears, then gathered low at the neck.  Her expression is serene, her features fine and this tiny masterpiece is so expertly rendered that even under extreme magnification you'll still marvel at the artistry.  The miniature appears to be done in gouache on possibly paper and there is no signature...but I must add, this miniature has not been removed from the locket and therefore we don't know if there is further information on the back or anything underneath the portrait.  The frame and glass are tightly fitted to the locket and it would potentially damage the piece to remove it.  While I would LOVE to know what is under this portrait, I have to respect that this piece is telling me not to mess with it.  It is strongly recommended that whoever the next caretaker of this historical artifact is, they should go in knowing that this is not a locket for their photos and leave the entire piece intact!  That being said, I know that there are more than a few of you out there who are portrait miniature fans like myself and would be thrilled to add this beauty to your collection!

Locket is in excellent condition, as are glass and portrait.  Gorgeous patina to the gold.  Locket measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/8" including bail.  Not stamped or signed but tested for metal content.  Comes on a new 20" gold-filled chain.  

All purchases from Bavier Brook arrive in an elegant box, fully wrapped in fine paper. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!