Sepia sentimental miniature navette stickpin with the charming allegory of two doves tying a lovers knot.c.1780.
The navette is inscribed to the reverse “Le Plus Loin Le Plus Serre”. The meaning can be read as “The higher I fly (or the further I fly), the tighter I tie." Of all the examples of this particular sentimental allegory this is the most delicately painted  I have seen.
3cms by 1.7cms.
Original wiggly pin.