Antique French Military Officer, Empire or 2nd Empire in 18k Gold 2-Sided Locket Frame

Actually, the painting is pristine and undamaged, and the entire frame in 18k gold tells us he was someone important, but the glazier (glassmaker) who crafted the 2 panels of thin convex cover glass for this one wasn’t quite as good and it is what we refer to as ‘sick’ glass. Almost a flaking look to it, and it’s pervasive on this one, rendering it more difficult to see clearly, as well as hurting value. Still, a 2 3/8″ 18k gold locket frame and military portrait are valuable. When I found this one in France, I thought I would go to a local university which has glass-blowing and see if I could commission glass to fit as replacement. I didn’t try to open it until later and I have not yet found it possible. I’m not one to pry hard on gold lockets. Plus there remains a haunting beauty to this one. Frankly, the 18k gold frame makes me think Napoleonic era, but the gold punch marks are so minuscule on this one, I can’t begin to accurately date it. It might be Napoleon III era, and perhaps an expert among you who knows the uniform can help me. Not typical to have 18k gold frame c.1850-70 (Napoleon III era), but often found for much earlier dates, c.1800-1814 (Napoleonic era). Thank you in advance if you can help me identify the uniform and/or the man. Full measurements noted on photos. NOTE: Gold weight on this one is 6.86 grams, so $1332 in melt value (frame only) as of Jan 28, 2026.  Please do not destroy this antique to melt for gold.

Very good to excellent condition on the painting and its 18k gold locket-style frame with rings and bale up top. Not so good condition for the old glass. Both front and back cover glass, original to the painting, are slightly convex and have no chips nor cracks, but they have surface deterioration often referred to as ‘sick’ glass. Yes, you can see the painting through it, but it catches light and defies a good photograph for that reason. I’ve seen others with this problem, and but for the 18k gold frame and the handsome military officer, I’d have passed it by. Our price considers the imperfection.