Fantastic c1850 Victorian 14k Gold Hand Painted Miniature Portrait Bracelet

Presented is a fantastic Victorian 14 karat gold miniature portrait bracelet. This piece dates to circa 1840-1860 and is likely of American make, though it could also be English. The bracelet consists of wide, hollow links in a hinged design, with an oval portrait as the focal point. The portrait is beautifully hand painted and shows a young boy in a blue doublet and white lace neck ruffle, very lifelike and well done. The frame is finely hand engraved with bright little detailwork and has applied bowtied gold ribbons at the four cardinal points, likewise intricately detailed and well executed. The whole piece features exquisite craftsmanship.

This piece is not stamped or hallmarked but we have tested it with nitric acid and guarantee it to be 14 karat gold.

This piece is in great overall condition. The gold bracelet portion is in excellent shape; the clasp works well and none of the links are crushed. The portrait has a little loss at about the 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock positions, please view the photos carefully. The 9 o'clock position damage has an incredibly fine hairline crack extending inward from it, which is only visible with jeweler's magnification. Otherwise the painting is in good shape.

The bracelet is about 7 inches long, not including the tab of the clasp which does not contribute to the overall length when worn. The portrait measures about 2 by 1.5 inches. The links give the bracelet a width of about ¾ of an inch for the chain itself.

This bracelet weighs 32.9 grams, or 1.16 regular ounces.

-jm