Antique 11" Mother of Pearl Shell Sail Boat Inkwell, Anchor & Canon: Souvenir of Ostende, France

Superb antique French Napoleon III era mother of pearl & gilt ormolu 11" tall sailboat, boat or tall ship with twisted wire riggings, anchor & RARE canon accents and souvenir of "Ostende" inscribed pearl hull!  Everyone loves these old boats! I'm the same. I can't get enough of them. They're 19th century souvenirs, hand made with pieces of natural shell, very high pearlescent shimmer mother of pearl half-shells form the hull and the plinth upon which it stands. Larger shells are cut in shapes approximating sails and the entire piece is pulled together with various thicknesses of brass wiring, forming the mast, etc. Finer twisted wire forms the rigging and what an exceptional piece. Some sewing or thimble stands, some inkwells or pocket watch holders though this one with a thick glass inkwell and one could easily hang a pocket watch from the top of the mast though there is no dedicated hook. Wonderful little Grand Tour souvenir from someone's visit to Ostende beaches in the north of France. Collect several for display. We have several sizes in inventory just now and I'm listing another exceptional one today, all sold separately.

Very good to excellent condition. Possibly a tiny nip or two to the mother of pearl and there is one larger chip to the pearl base/plinth. Possibly a small missing or rewound section of the twisted wire riggings. The souvenir inscription is enamel filled with some of the blue worn or missing but still easily legible. High pearlescent shimmer and coloration to all pieces. Measurements noted on the photos.