Charming antique Victorian or Napoleon III era 9 7/8" tall abalone & brass boat or tall ship with eight sails, a decorative piece or "vide poche" jewelry or trinket dish souvenir of Heist-aan-Zee! The marking on the front sail isn't too clear but you can see that it reads "Heyst", a souvenir of the seaside summer beach resort in West Flanders, Belgium popular in the 1890s. Normally, we see these as inkwell stands or pocket watch display pieces. This one, with the expansive 'hull' abalone shell would work great as a trinket dish though it was likely just meant to be a decorative piece.
Very good condition, age & materials considered. There is visible clear epoxy in the center of the hull shell where the brass framework is attached due to chipping to that shell area. Now the piece stands straight and solid with no wobbling. I don't see any chips or damage to any of the sails. See images for all measurements.
