Mechanically charming, the 6 branches of this photo frame or portrait miniature frame fan out for view and display, or fold in tightly as you can see in our images. Each arm has a hinged locket to hold a miniature or photo, 4 of which still have the old original beveled glass in them, and 2 which have glass but without bevel. They are ready to insert your photos or souvenirs. The front panel holds a French eglomise (back-painted glass) or painting under glass of an architectural scene. I know I've been to that palace, and I can't think of the name of it. It has a bit of a look of the Plaza de Espana in Seville, Spain, but it's not that. If you recognize the scene, please do email and we'll add it. I am not convinced it is original on this piece, and partly because I think I can see remnant of a hinge and it seems likely to me there was originally a 7th photo frame there, the cover to which has been removed to mount the eglomise souvenir. I have seen just one other of these in the 40 years I've been traveling extensively in Europe, devouring the museums. I cannot now remember if it had 7 frames or an ornament on front. This works for me, since I'm enthralled by the French tourist souvenirs of Victorian era.
Very good condition for age and type. All 6 locket-frames have glass and work, though it seems to me you might wish to use a tiny dot of mounting putty as you close each to keep them from wanting to open at will. They do close, but they aren't actually set with a clasp on each, so look to that as you put in your photos. I've tried to show all aspects of it to you in the photos. The painting has a glass cover, as well, slightly convex. Marble plinth is perfect, not a chip nor flaw. Each panel is engraved, as you can see. RARE old thing. Fabulous for your collection (or mine!). The top ring is hinged so it drops to either side, and I would use a dot of mounting putty to brace it up, I think, in my own displays. It is 13" widest when open. All measurements noted on the photos.
