19th Century Medallion Pendant, 18k Gold And Pearl

19th century souvenir locket pendant, 18k gold and pearl

Oval-shaped 18k yellow gold locket pendant with hinge and clasp, opening onto a glass compartment designed to receive a personal souvenir - photograph, lock of hair, miniature. The front is adorned with a beveled rose gold square holding a central pearl. The godronné yellow gold clasp is carefully curved. The set features two distinct shades of gold, the combination of yellow and pink being characteristic of the jewelry taste of the second half of the 19th century.
French work, second half of the 19th century. Master mark on the setting.

Features
Total height with bélière: approx. 4.3 cm
Dimensions of medallion: approx. 3.1 × 2.4 cm
Gross weight: 12.2 g (inner glass included)
Metal: 18k gold - 750/1000
Hints: eagle's head (inner rim); trace of master hallmark (bélière)
Closing: snap-action, right hinge (opening from left side)

Condition
Good overall condition for a piece of this age. Some light surface dents and scratches to the inner glass - signs of real use and worn life, not neglect. Slight traces of oxidation, localized on and around the rose gold: an expected and consistent phenomenon, as the copper more present in this alloy is naturally more sensitive to oxidation.
Note: the hinge is positioned on the right, leading to an opening on the left side - an unusual arrangement, testifying to individualized handcrafting rather than mass production.
When the medallion came to us, it still contained a lock of blond hair and a very early photograph of a young child. The piece had clearly not been opened for several decades.