Antique c.1770 French Portrait Miniature, Rare 18k Gold Frame w Heart Lock and Key
A superb portrait, but a slice far left has been broken and lost over the 250+ years since it was painted. I've seen these very old frames in museums, but this one is the only one I've ever owned. It's a hinged locked, opening book-like, two perfect thin beveled glass panels protecting the painting and hand-written document on backside. The locket folds closed and 2 small rings align, held fast by the tiniest working lock in shape of a heart. Its tiny key hangs from one of 5 gold chains attached up top to the closed hanging loop. The frame is rare, isn't perfect, consider it fragile, but what a treasure it truly is. And that we have almost the entire original portrait of a nobleman, some info in old French handwriting, most of which I'm unable to make out. Perhaps you can do better. Parchment, it appears to have once had a small wax seal affixed, though I can't imagine the slender locket frame would close with a was seal in place. The frame is 1 7/8" x 1 5/8" and only 3/16th" in depth,