Wonderful antique French Napoleon III era "vide poche", a jewelry or coin dish in shimmering mother of pearl & brass and a Grand Tour style souvenir of "Sables d'Olonne" in western France! This popularized mother of pearl half-shell trinket tray is a French staple - called a 'vide pooch', literal translation: empty pocket" is the ornate and whimsical little bedside stand into which one empties pockets of change, puts watch or jewelry to rest overnight. A little vanity item most French people empty even into 20th century and beyond. This one would date c.1850-70s A lovely piece, rather large for these with the top mother of pearl dish an impressive 4.75" wide! Smaller half shells mounted front and back, the front with engraved & blue enamel filled inscription that reads "Souvenir des Sables d'Olonne".
A bit of fun history from Wiki: Les Sables-d'Olonne is French for "the sands of Olonne". It was founded in 1218 from Havre d'Olonne by Savary I de Mauléon, the Lord of Mauléon, Sénéchal of Poitou and prince of Talmont. Its history is tied to the ocean for which it has served as a port and point of maritime commerce. Louis XI separated Les Sables d'Olonne from the town of Olonne in 1472. It became the largest cod-fishing port in France, with 14,000 inhabitants, in the 17th century. During the French Revolution, unlike the surrounding Vendée, the city supported the Republic, and so was often besieged—unsuccessfully, because of its port. The current local tourism industry traces its roots to bathing establishments, first begun in 1825.
Very good condition. A slight bend or two to the brass or bronze framework but no damage to any of the three pearl half shells. See pictures for all measurements.
