Delightful antique French Napoleon III era mother of pearl & gilt ormolu sailboat, boat or tall ship with twisted wire riggings, anchor & compass accents and souvenir of "Brest" 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 nickel plated brass wiring, forming the mast, etc. Finer twisted wire forms the rigging, what a beauty. Some sewing or thimble stands, some inkwells or pocket watch holders though this one with a swirled glass inkwell and a nearly unnoticeable hook on one rear sail for a pocket watch. Wonderful little Grand Tour souvenir from someone's visit to Brest beaches in the south 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 but no larger chips, cracks or damage to note. There is a bit of wear in places to the nickel plating and 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.
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