Antique c.1730-50 French Portrait Miniature in Original Leather Case, Etui thermometer The shell veneer has been

The shell veneer has been steam- formed around a wooden base form

though there is a little darkening to the steel blades (typical of age)

though there is a very small scratch in the paint at the very top - 12 o'clock position that extends about 1/8" into the oval painting

Looks like my photographer missed looking for the very tiny tiny French gold mark

hanging against a wall

Antique c.1730-50 French Portrait Miniature in Original Leather Case, Etui thermometer The shell veneer has beenA very early 1700s portrait, this, housed in the original leather case, etui, and still in remarkably good condition. These in cases like this were not ordinarily covered with a cover glass. This one is original in that state, as well. I'm always surprised that artists have not signed their work, but in fact an artist was just a workman in that era, and had no discernible right to an ego. True enough for most, and particularly for most whose business