A fabulous framed c.1750s - 1770s French portrait miniature brooch, the painting in gouache either on a mother of pearl wafer or at least backed by one (see backside). Powdered wig and red coat's fashion detailing help in dating, though we do not know the ID of this dignified gentleman. Upon first finding it, it seemed like a typical framed miniature, but further exam showed it was a brooch anchored within a perfectly fitted frame mount. The brooch is excellent and complete apart from a loss of the pointed end of the hinged pin on backside (see images) which can be easily restored if one wants to wear the jewelry. The cover glass is original and excellent. The brooch mount acid tests at 18k gold. A magnificent museum piece!
Very good to excellent condition with only a single flaw noted: the hinged long 18k pin on back of brooch is broken or blunted and would need to be extended in order to wear as jewelry. Otherwise, no flaws. Beautifully preserved. I have not tried to take it apart to clean the inner glass, but even that is only very very lightly dusted by time - over 250 years since the artist painted this man's portrait. I do not see a signature, though obviously a master portrait miniaturist's work. Full measurements noted on the photos.
