First, the box is only a prop and does not go with this jewelry item. The box will not close over the large brooch which has also been fitted with a loop and bale up top to be worn as a pendant or hung. Dating c.1870-80s, it is an elegantly crafted 12k gold mount which has all indications of being a mourning jewelry item. I hope not. But you see the 3mm seed pearl in the black enameled 'flower' both at top and bottom of the piece, and that is very iconographic for mourning - both the black enameled gold and also the seed pearls, representing the tears of the mourner. The beautiful little strawberry blond child whose portrait miniature you see is looking upward, angelic little cherub face, and pink trim to the frock might mean it is a girl. Turning it over, one sees a perfectly intact hinged locket on back which holds a c.1870-80s photo of a woman who might well be the child's mother. I found this beautiful little treasure, so perfectly preserved, in Germany - whether from an estate there or moved there by a collector, there really is no hint of the identities of either. It has been treasured as the mourning memento it likely was - look at that crisp beveled cut on the cover over the child's painting - not even a tiny nick to it. Magnificent little treasure, isn't it!
Excellent condition throughout, as if it had been the most precious memento, treasure. If, as I feel certain is the case, it mourned the beautiful little child whose portrait miniature is within, and if that's her mother there in back, it makes sense of the superb condition. I can see no imperfections to report. I didn't spend time cleaning much on the back side, but there are no dents, I see no damage. Remember, the box shown is not included, is only one of our props, doesn't even fit this large piece of mourning jewelry.
