Decorative ornament - Italy - Book-shaped pendant.

Fascinating and rare pocket book/photo album pendant from the Victorian era (second half of the 19th century, datable specifically between 1863 and 1868 approximately). The object, finely crafted in brass without stamps (popular era manufacture for the middle class), features a beautiful accordion-like structure that opens to reveal four framed internal panels. The true rarity and the strong point of this lot lie in the presence of all four original miniature photographs of the period (contemporary albumen prints), perfectly preserved under their metal frames. The portraits depict studio scenes with clothing typical of the 1860s: 1. A mature man in formal attire with a high waistcoat and a stock cravat. 2. A woman with a shawl and a hairstyle with a central parting. 3. A young woman in a plaid dress with pagoda sleeves and a painted backdrop. 4. A frontal female figure with a high white collar and a brooch. Most likely, the locket preserves the memory of an entire family unit of the era (parents and daughters). An extraordinarily important piece for collectors of historical photography, sentimental jewelry, and Victorian memorabilia. Technical Specifications: • Era: circa 1865 (Victorian Era) • Material: Antique brass (unmarked/stamped, consistent with historical costume jewelry production of the period) • Content: 4 original period photographs (albumen prints / miniature) • Accessories: Equipped with the original suspension ring at the top for wearing on a chain or chatelaine. Condition Report: • Overall condition: Good general cosmetic condition considering the object is over 150 years old. Magnificent patina on the brass. The inner photos are exceptionally sharp and not faded. • Notes on defects: A tiny through-hole of about one millimetre is noted on the external cover (the point where an ornamental element or emblem was originally fixed, now missing). The snap closure on the trifoliate tongue is partially incomplete along the edge of the socket (the micro-pin at the end is missing, a very common defect in these mechanisms). The main hinges of the book-like structure are instead completely intact and fully functioning. Please carefully view the rich attached photo gallery, which is an integral part of the lot description."

Estimate:£93.07

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