Antique c.1770 French Portrait Miniature, Rare 18k Gold Frame w Heart Lock and Key silhouette Great in the kitchen with

Great in the kitchen with toothpicks or matches

it has a slight separation on inside lid in the area of clasp (no edging)

when function and the fragile nature of the blown glass it considered

Your benefit

We do know that many of the known artists of this era did miniatures as a ready means to support themselves in their later-recognized art

Antique c.1770 French Portrait Miniature, Rare 18k Gold Frame w Heart Lock and Key silhouette Great in the kitchen withA superb portrait, but a slice far left has been broken and lost over the 250+ years since it was painted. I've seen these very old frames in museums, but this one is the only one I've ever owned. It's a hinged locked, opening book like, two perfect thin beveled glass panels protecting the painting and hand written document on backside. The locket folds closed and 2 small rings align, held fast by the tiniest working lock in shape of a heart. Its tiny