By the Napoleon III era, c.1850-70, the typical supply of mother of pearl half-shell trinkets also included ones like this. A broader worked brass and silver framework set with mother of pearl shells. The little goats and horses mostly seen earlier were still popular in the Palais Royal boutiques (the old Palace of Cardinal Richelieu), but these were added. We've had rather elaborate inkwells desk stands, candle holders, vanity items, and this darling little "vide poche" (literal translation: empty pocket) might just be the most charming of them all. A very French item, these were on bedside tables in well-appointed homes to hold pocket watch, jewelry, pocket coin purse, etc. overnight. One quite literally emptied pockets into the stands. I had not seen one with these heavy bronze bears before this, however. It is 7 1/4" long, in very fine condition without any loss at all to any of the 5 rainbow-shimmering half-shells of mother of pearl shell. The border mount is elaborately worked, répousee flowers with silver to compliment the gold-finish brass alloy. Full measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. No breaks, no cracks, no damage to note. The only tiny imperfection to mention is that these bears would have had glass eyes, and only 2 of the 4 eyes have them in place. One can easily replace those. A lot of these early ones had red glass eyes. Tiny project, craft store. But we'll leave it as we found it and defer to the next owner. The bears are heavy solid cast bronze.
