This is an interesting piece, indeed. A petit miniature of a woman who's fashion puts her in c.1770s, set into a silver locket-style pendant mount with bow top and bale which extends to 3 full inches (plus bale). The locket back is an insert into the sleeve of the front and can be opened, though I did not do so. Backing shows advanced age, could be consistent with the age of the painting. I'm uncertain but think this is an Eastern European piece. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type. The painting is superb, just 1/2" from her chin to her hairline - tiny and yet such detail. Mount is complete and nicely preserved. I think it is sterling silver - we did not test and did not open but I do not see a hallmark so of relatively unknown origin, not likely to have been French. There is one notation to be made: the original cover glass must have been broken at some time, and at this point in time the cover "glass" is a replacement, not glass. One might wish to have an oval flat glass cut to fit at some point.
