Fine 18k Gold Locket Frame, 2 French Portrait Miniatures, Magistrate and His Wife, c.1750-70

A rare find, and a magnificent personal pair of portrait miniatures, husband and wife, one on each side of the pendant or locket-like frame mount of 18k gold. A distinguished couple who are not identified, he wears the powdered hair and red robe of a judge or perhaps attorney, avocat, or magistrate in his time. Not quite nobility, but moving in close circles and obviously this has been a very well-kept and treasured heirloom or museum piece. The thick gold mount has been acid-tested and confirmed at 18k, but I do not find the typical French marks, so perhaps not from France. Thick and convex original cover glass remain on each side and are each clean.  I was going to try to pry open the 2 halves just to see if more ID or artist information might possibly be inside, but it doesn’t pry easily and I didn’t want to damage it in any way trying. It may turn out that there will be more information within. The paintings are small masterpieces, each very detailed face being only 1/2″ or slightly less, from chin to hairline. Superb museum pair. I found them in France, but as noted, the tiny French eagle’s head profile nor earlier 18k gold marks do not appear. Acid tested at 18k.

Very good to excellent condition throughout. I see nothing to report by way of flaw. There ae no chips, or losses to deeper convex cover glass pieces, either front or back, and the gold frame seems impossibly undamaged, no dents, considering an age of nearly 300 years now. Earlier than Georgian, I rather think, though perhaps. Her clothing with hat and fichu suggest 1740-70. Measurements are noted on the photos. Bale gives option of hanging, or of wearing as fine antique jewelry.