Antique French Revolutionary Military Portrait Miniature in 18k Gold Bracelet Clasp, Necklace

A magnificent piece from my collection, a tiny portrait miniature, 18th century French Revolutionary military officer, 1/2″ face from chin to hairline, the bow of his tied-back ponytail visible, as is the gold braid of his jacket collar. Handsome man, it is historically typical this bracelet clasp would have been strung with seed pearls, but as you can see, 2 small pieces of the original strings have been kept with it – each an 18k gold holder into which slender braids of human hair are mounted, making it more likely to have been a token of love or mourning. We can’t know which. As you can see, it would have had 5 braids, this piece of fine jewelry being the clasp (see the 18k insert). Lots of photos, measurements noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition, as it remains. Originally, c.1770s, it would have been a bracelet with 5 strands of fine braided hair – either his (without the powder) as a love token, or his as a memento or mourning jewelry piece. There are no flaws to the remaining piece, either painting (gouache on thin natural wafer, typical of the genre), nor to the 18k gold clasp and insert. A small beveled and polished cover glass is set into the hinged locket-like cover, and it closes tightly, opens with the tiny clasp at bottom. Clasp insert holds tightly in place. Could certainly be made back into wearable 18th century jewelry.