Early Graphite Folk Art Portrait, Framed long whimsy chain and there is just a

and there is just a little warping to the wood of the lid

each side measures 2 7/8" and the carved area measure 3 7/8" wide on the angle

with decorative brass plate around the keyhole and simple brass swinging lock cover is my favorite I've seen

and title pages

these have an older Bennington mark

Early Graphite Folk Art Portrait, Framed long whimsy chain and there is just aI fell in love with this antique folk art graphite portrait immediately upon sight; wonderful androgynous face with great round chin, book (Bible I assume) held in lovely long fingers, and these great billowing sleeves. At first I thought perhaps a young priest, but then it looks to be a shawl draped around the shoulders, and while earrings were worn by certain men of a certain rank (or pirates!), particularly in Europe, I think this is more likely a