SOLD
 
A late Victorian shellwork valentine in the shape of a porthole, featuring a chromolithograph of a fishing boat heading out to sea past a lighthouse, with a paddle steamer in the distance heading inland. In front of the image is an artfully arranged display of shells and seaweed, creating a 3D effect to the view. All encased in a hand-blown glass bubble. In good condition.
 
These shellwork dioramas were produced in the late Victorian/early Edwardian period as souvenirs of coastal towns and seaside locations, often bought by sailors as presents for their sweethearts.