A rare mid-Victorian 9ct gold locket, dating from around 1860 - the period when photography had only recently become accessible to ordinary families. The front holds an original 19th-century Tintype photograph of a young woman. Tintypes were widely used in the 1855-1865 period and produced a distinctive ghostly grey image on a tin plate. Pieces of this calibre are increasingly scarce, especially with their original photographic plate intact.

The sitter’s clothing and hairstyle are typical of the era, and she even wears a small gold brooch (which is hand coloured - a precious detail). Lockets like this were treasured keepsakes, often worn close to the heart as symbols of affection, remembrance, or mourning.

The locket features raised repoussé floral decoration, a design popular in Victorian sentimental jewellery, and an engraved foliate back. It tests as 9ct gold; the bail is a later replacement and not gold.

Size: approx. 3.2 × 2 cm including bail

Condition: Excellent antique condition with age-appropriate wear; portrait secure. The glass insert lifts out (a slow process!).