Fine Antique Victorian Portrait Miniature of a Child, 9k Locket, 18k Bale, In Original Box

Antique Victorian era locket in original leather camelback case, the locket of 8k gold and the extended Etruscan aesthetic bale in 18k gold, assayed at some point in a French auction house as it has the tiny French eagle’s head profile mark which guarantees 18k gold. Within the locket, so beautifully housed and treasured, is a watercolor portrait of a darling blond child. Blue ribbon in fluffs of naturally curly strawberry blond hair may or may not suggest the child is a boy. The side-parted hair suggests it, also. I think we do have a little boy in this one. The watercolor is on a heavy paper, a little more typical of English portrait miniatures. Full measurements noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type, so beautifully preserved, not even the very old jeweler’s presentation box shows age. No dents or dings or loss to the gold locket, which is marked 9ct, though the large bale is definitely 18k gold. Cover glass is fine, and I would think there might have once been an locket glass for the back cavity, but none is there at this time. Charming portrait miniature and such a superb locket – yes, this presentation box is original to the locket pendant, and it will come with the box.