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 (who made notes on the envelopes of some, dating this one to the late 1840s) whose collection was not long ago acquired by another Maine dealer and friend. I find this one quite elegant as well as well as very sweet with the flower and leaves executed entirely in watercolor, framed by a finely detailed, embossed cartouche. 

7 1/4" x 4 5/8" as folded. Very good antique condition, minor toning /soiling, and watercolor on embossed white laid paper, blank interior