An interesting mount, what we have is a mid-1700s portrait miniature still kept within a silver locket, a few dried flower or clover petals tucked in the back, and then an outer extension frame of cast silver, aperture to measure for the locket and deep tabs affixed by which one anchors the locket in place. Together, a very beautiful display piece for any fine collection. The gentleman is a Noble, Louis XV to XVI era (likely Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette's era, from the fashion). Superb tiny painting, I am unable to make out a signature, but certainly a Master miniaturist's work. The backside of the painting is adhered to a paper/card back. The front glass covering the painting is clear and fine, and the glass on the backside of the locket is rubbed and obviously surface-abrasions prevent it from being clear. I'm unsure of the dried leaves - has a look of remains of a 4-leaf clover. Surely whatever they are had meaning to the person who so treasured this person and painting centuries ago. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The miniature painting is superb, no warp, no damage. The c.1750s silver and deep polished convex glass locket is very nicely preserved, neither glass broken, but the glass on the back side is rubbed and not clear. The outer frame with putti is cast in silver, quite sure, though I have not tested it. A quick search does reveal one punch mark, lower right at about 4-5 o'clock position on frame's front. It seems to me to have been made specifically to hold and display this locket.
