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 these several from more than 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. And I must say this is my very favorite of all, with the most excellent royal purple mounted behind the figural paper lace to make it pop in a very lush sort of way. And what marvelous imagery, reminiscent of elaborate Scherenschnitte paper cuts, but with wonderfully folky embossed faces on the children too (looking like inspiration for just the sort of schoolgirl drawings I love so much.)  A perfectly placed die cut of a woman's head blooming from a rose at the bottom, a pasted verse along with a dedication inside (looks like this was made for Nellie), and more on the back, too.  Super.

3 7/8" x 2 7/8" and in very good antique condition, minor toning and light wear, small bottom edge loss visible on reverse.