antique French Portrait Miniature in 18k Gold Pendant Mount Locket, Hair Art Back c.1830s

A stunning painting of a handsome gentleman, so small the face is only 5/8″, yet so much detail and personality. Certainly a wealthy gentleman, and the light blond plaited or woven hair on backside, each showing in that elegant 18k gold French pendant locket (eagle’s head mark) makes me think it might be his portrait for his bride, as the hair is certainly not his. One other possibility would be a mourning locket and the blond locks that of a child. I have not taken it apart to clean the cover glass and I can see that there is a little dust on the inside. The 2 halves of the locket fit into one another, no hinged, so a matter of sliding them apart. I hesitate to possibly disturb the plaited hair and will leave that task and decision to his next owner. Locket is 1 1/2″ in diameter.

Very good to excellent condition, no dents, and each convex original cover glass is fully intact. Tiny eagle’s head mark on the bale loop, and also acid tests as 18k gold. Beautifully crafted and a superb portrait, I don’t see a signature.