A handful of Victorian paper lace valentines today, because 'tis almost the season, and what a lovely thing to give to a beloved, including oneself. I'm fussy about ones I like, choosing this and a few more from over a hundred 19th c. examples I had the joy of perusing last weekend, which had been collected over many years by a major Maine based paper dealer, whose collection was not long ago acquired by another Maine dealer and friend. A note that went along with this one identified it as the smallest valentine in the collection--and of course I love a miniature anything. With the best purple and green colored paper backing that paper lace cupid, and die-cut "Forget Me Not," as well as a pasted verse inside the card: "Oh, thou art to the bosom dear..."
2 11/16" x 1 7/8" and in good antique condition, some toning to the paper lace.