✅ SOLVED Ornate brass ovals with griffin -- can't tell what it is

[bobclouser]

I found this detecting at a house in Townsend, MA build around 1790. It's all made of brass or bronze. The two solid inner ovals were found together, and in a nearby hole, I found the two frames. The frame with the flanges was originally inside the solid metal frame. It seems like all 4 pieces belong together. In the photos I included a quarter for scale. The two filled ovals were articulated together by a tiny hinge. I initially thought it was some kind of jewelry, or a hairpiece or a brooch, but could find nothing. I don't know what to search for. Please help -- any clues?

 

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[trikikiwi]

Described as;

Victorian Griffin Locket Compact
https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/308707749436803873/​

 

[sutphin]

DANG NICE COMPACT.

 

[bobclouser]

Wow, that's it!! And now I understand how it goes together. Thanks a lot! So there was once a picture in it I guess?

 

[trikikiwi]

Wow, that's it!! And now I understand how it goes together. Thanks a lot! So there was once a picture in it I guess?

Apparently it is a 'compact' so more likely to hold ladies face powder and possibly a mirror, rather than a picture.