I've just always loved these, hand made souvenirs from sea shells, often polished to a rainbow of reflective mother of pearl like this one. We've had all sizes over the decades, from small ones mounted with inkwells, or a pocket watch holder, some with small compass, or working captain's wheel, anchors. They have hand crafted masts and twisted wire ropes and rigging, flag unfurled by the imaginary or memory of a beach wind bowing the sails. I have yet to even see one this tall - 16", overall, and also had not found one with abalone shell as a base like this one has. Yes, it has a chain and anchor, and is clean and reflects a rainbow, but it also has a natural shell sail which shows the process of pearl formation. Interesting and fun. Base is filled and weighted and it's very sturdy as it stands. Begs to be in a group of ships, doesn't it. Full measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout, with a single flaw to note, and that is marked on photos with an 'x', a roughened edge on the bottom of that weighted shell bottom. Otherwise, it's all in fine form. I think one could just file that rough spot but we'll leave it as it is and for its next owner to decide. Some would also note these were souvenirs from the boutiques of the Palais Royal, though mostly we think of those being the little mother of pearl shell "egg" caskets, pulled by goats, or horses, or holding sewing items inside, etc.. And some of the ships have engraved beach resorts indicating they were souvenirs of that origin: Dieppe, Harvre, and other 19th century oceanside towns.
