A museum-worthy collector's item, this rare Civil War Era Valentine, Ca. 1866 is possibly one-of-a-kind and comes with its original box. This is a three-dimensional valentine with paper accordians beneath the top layer and the second layer with a very fine paper lace and gold embossed top with the most intricate pin-prick piercings and design that looks like a stained glass window. This incredible paper lace is gusseted at each side of the Valentine to render it three-dimensional. The window doors open to reveal a magnificent and detailed representation of a period-attired woman standing at her dressing table that resembles a fine painting on porcelain or ivory. There are three, finely rendered, die-cut roses that resemble paintings on Limoges on three of the corners, and we would suspect that one is missing on the top right corner. There is a brown spot where the aged glue has shown through the paper lace where the paper accordian was attached and has now become detached from the front paper lace. Otherwise, we would call the condition as close to Excellent as a piece of this nature that has survived 138 years might be. It is breathtakingly beautiful and hearkens to a tranquil time of gentility and grace, an era goneby. The Valentine measures approximately 4-5/8 x 3-1/4 and the depth of the side gussets is approximately one inch. Click here to see the side gusset panel. Considering the age, rarity and unusual circumstance of finding the piece with its original box, despite its worn condition, one would be inclined to rate its presence as a bonus nonetheless. The box, itself, a faded beauty, features a die-cut central medallion, applied die cut with angel and trumpet heralding the word "Sincerity" and paper lace decoration. It is in fair condition with signs of age and wear, nearly detached sides. a missing die-cut and fragments of paper lace. The bottom of the box has an applied label with gold lace edging that charmingly states, "A Token of True Love" and two pencil mark datings "1866".Click here to see the mark. The box measures approximately 5 x 3-1/2 x 3/8". For the serious collector, this Civil War Era Valentine dated 1866 is a once-in-a-lifetime find. Due to the fragile nature of this piece, we respectfully request that you ask all questions prior to shipping and consider the purchase a final sale to reduce handling on this very rare and important piece of Civil War Era Valentine ephemera. (21150-K573-AntiqueValentineFrontOpen) To order this Rare Civil War Era Antique Valentine, just click on the blue shopping cart button to the left of the picture, or email us at: Adon13@aol.com or telephone us at 773-929-9007 or fax us at 773-525-1920.
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For additional information or to place an order for this item, please feel free to email us at Adon13@aol.com or call (773) 929-9007.
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Contact: Terri Friedman
Po Box 148186
Chicago, Illinois 60614-8186 USA
Phone: (773) 929-9007 Fax: (773) 525-1920
Adon13@aol.com
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